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Visceral Hyperalgesia
Visceral hyperlagesia is extreme sensitivity to
something painful (hyperalgesia) in the internal organs
(viscera), usually those of the abdomen (belly). It is a
common symptom of people with irritable bowel
syndrome, a disorder of the intestines with various
signs and symptoms, and no clear biological cause.
Visceral hyperalgesia typically occurs after injury or
inflammation of an internal organ. The cause of visceral
hyperalgesia can be increased sensitivity of the
sensory pathways in the brain that process sensations
from the viscera. Another cause can be abnormal
changes in the sensory nerve cells in the viscera which
causes them to respond more intensely to normally
occurring stimuli.
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Both causes are referred to as sensitization. Visceral hyperalgesia is commonly treated
with pain medications but there are very few medications that can actually target the
viscera. Visceral hyperalgesia can occur in both adults and children.
Visceral hyperalgesia can also mean an increased awareness of the normal movements
of internal organs, such as the intestines.Visceral comes from the Latin word "viscus"
meaning "internal organs." Hyperalgesia comes from the Greek word "hyper" meaning
"above," and "algos" meaning "pain." Put the words together and you get "above pain (in
the) internal organs," meaning too much pain in internal organs.
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