Temporal Summation in Chronic Pelvic Pain.

Objective: This study sought to characterize central sensitization further among women with chronic pelvic pain by identifying temporal summation using a cotton-tipped applicator test that can be used at the bedside.

Method: A total of 36 women (18 with chronic pain and allodynia; 18 without pain) were recruited. Both groups were randomly assigned to receive 3 strokes of a benign stimulus on the abdomen at differing frequencies: 10, 30, or 100 seconds.