There was insufficient evidence to recommended neurolysis or neurectomy treatment over the other. 5. © 1998-2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Meralgia paresthetica (lateral femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment). This content does not have an Arabic version. ... Other imaging tests, such as CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may also be ordered to check for other spinal or nerve problems, like a herniated disc. This content does not have an English version. Some of the common causes of meralgia paresthetica are wearing tight fitting clothes, obesity or gaining weight, and pregnancy. Meralgia paresthetica: 3-Tesla magnetic resonance neurography. Patijn J, Mekhail N, Hayek S, Lataster A, van Kleef M, Van Zundert J. Meralgia Paresthetica. Meralgia paresthetica is a neurological condition that causes numbness, tingling, and sometimes pain in the outer thigh. The segmental origin is L2/L3 and it is a purely sensory nerve with no motor fibres[2]. Mayo Clinic facts about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Our COVID-19 patient and visitor guidelines, plus trusted health information, Mayo Clinic Health System patient vaccination updates, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, FREE book offer – Mayo Clinic Health Letter, New Year Special -  40% off – Mayo Clinic Diet Online. Patients often describe burning, coldness, lightning pain, deep muscle achiness, tingling, frank anesthesia, or local hair loss in the anterolateral thigh region. You might also hear it called Bernhardt-Roth syndrome. 172(6):663-5. . How is meralgia paresthetica diagnosed? For most people, the symptoms of meralgia paresthetica ease in a few months. Meralgia paresthetica, also called lateral femoral nerve entrapment, is a condition that appears when a major sensory nerve in your leg, the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN), is compressed. Radiographics : a review publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc. 30 (4): 983-1000. Dr. Roberts, Recently, I have been diagnosed with the condition of meralgia paresthetica. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Most cases resolve on their own without further complications. All rights reserved. Additional examination including strength testing and reflex testing might be done to help exclude other causes for the symptoms. Meralgia paresthetica is a medical condition resulting from the compression of either the right or left lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN), a sensory nerve to the skin on the outer thigh. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Meralgia paresthetica: diagnosis and treatment. Check for errors and try again. The LFN arises from the second and third lumbar spinal levels (L2,L3). What is meralgia paresthetica? Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Meralgia paresthetica. The condition is caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which supplies sensation to your upper leg. In cases where there is a diagnostic dilemma, the role of magnetic resonance imaging has been to exclude other causes for the patient’s presentation, as the small extraspinal peripheral nerves were not well visualised at imaging. Compression of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, sensation supplying nerve to the skin surface of the thigh, causes meralgia paresthetica. The diagnosis is made clinically; however, ultrasonography can help confirm the diagnosis. It may be iatrogenic after medical or surgical procedures, or result from a neuroma. 2011;11:1533. Accessed Oct. 24, 2016. Selective L2 nerve stimulation In Neurectomy there are risks of denervation pain, and leaves an anesthetic area (usually a minor nuisance). The outlook for meralgia paresthetica is usually very good. Additional examination including strength testing and reflex testing might be done to help exclude other causes for the symptoms.To rule out other conditions, your doctor might recommend: 1. NINDS meralgia paresthetica information page. Unable to process the form. Grossman MG, Ducey SA, Nadler SS, Levy AS. ... MRI or ultrasound performed when the cause is a pelvic tumour or herniated disc. {"url":"/signup-modal-props.json?lang=us\u0026email="}. ... • CT scan or MRI (when a tumor is suspected) • Electromyography (measures the electrical discharges produced in muscles) This nerve supplies feeling (sensation) to the outer thigh. In a small number of cases, the numbness, burning, and pain will persist despite treatment. 9 (5): 336-44. Meralgia Paresthetica Surgery Options include: Neurolysis, Neurectomy, Transposition. The pelvis and hip. Have you had recent injuries to your hip area, such as from a seat belt in a motor vehicle accident? Is my condition likely temporary or chronic? MR imaging of entrapment neuropathies of the lower extremity. He or she might test the sensation of the affected thigh, ask you to describe the pain, and ask you to trace the numb or painful area on your thigh. Annals of surgery. 3. Meralgia paresthetica (MP) is a problem with the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). Cho KT, Lee HJ. Meralgia paresthetica (MP) is a condition associated with tingling, numbness and burning pain in the anterolateral part of the thigh, though sometimes characterized by lightning or electric pain, deep muscle achiness or, rarely, local hair loss in the anterolateral thigh. Meralgia Paresthetica Treatment Justin Dean 2020-08-24T09:32:00-08:00. A nerve is a pathway that carries messages to and from your brain. It is also known as Bernhardt-Roth syndrome or femoral cutaneous nerve syndrome. Meralgia paresthetica. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve becomes "entrapped" as it passes under the ligament of the groin. If an abnormality is noted on ultrasound, it often involves a “hypoechoic and swollen lateral femoral cutaneous nerve” [ 1 ]. MP occurs when the nerve that provides feeling to the area is pinched. Maintain a healthy weight, or lose weight if you're overweight. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/meralgia_paresthetica/meralgia_paresthetica.htm. In most cases, your doctor can make a diagnosis of meralgia paresthetica based on your medical history and a physical exam. Meralgia paresthetica is a neuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Image-guided nerve block and steroid injection may play a role in selected cases. Skeletal radiology. Journal of ultrasound in medicine : official journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. ADVERTISEMENT: Radiopaedia is free thanks to our supporters and advertisers. Meralgia paresthetica can occur at any age but mostly found in 30 to 40 years old. Also, avoid tight clothing. MRI: An MRI is usually done to rule out a prolapsed disc which can cause similar symptoms. This large nerve supplies sensation to the front and side of your thigh. Burning thigh pain (meralgia paresthetica). A comprehensive clinical exam, including neurological exams. What is meralgia paresthetica? Meralgia Paresthetica Diagnosis. Meralgia Paresthetica / Lateral Femoral Nerve CompressionMeralgia Paresthetica is a constellation of symptoms caused by a compression neuropathy (pinched nerve) of the Lateral Femoral Nerve (LFN). Your doctor likely will have questions, too, including: If your pain is bothersome, OTC  pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or aspirin may be helpful. 11 (3): 302-8. Meralgia paresthetica results in sensations of aching, burning, numbness, or stabbing in the thigh area. The most common cause of impingement of the LFCN is entrapment of the nerve under the inguinal ligament, which can occur spontaneously or de… 232 (2): 281-6. Tagliafico A, Serafini G, Lacelli F, Perrone N, Valsania V, Martinoli C. Ultrasound-guided treatment of meralgia paresthetica (lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathy): technical description and results of treatment in 20 consecutive patients. For meralgia paresthetica, basic questions to ask include: Don't hesitate to ask any other questions. Patjin J, et al. Imaging studies. Chhabra A, Del Grande F, Soldatos T, Chalian M, Belzberg AJ, Williams EH, Jalali FS, Thawait GK, Eng J, Carrino JA. I will periodically get bolts of pain that feels like I’m walking with a sprained ankle. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Meralgia paresthetica is a condition characterized by tingling, numbness and burning pain in the outer part of your thigh. Meralgia paresthetica is an entrapment or "pinching" of the nerve that supplies sensation to the outer portion of the thigh. Meralgia paresthetica due to body armor wear in U.S. soldiers serving in Iraq: a case report and review of the literature. Meralgia paraesthetica refers to a mononeuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. He or she might test the sensation of the affected thigh, ask you to describe the pain, and ask you to trace the numb or painful area on your thigh. Taking OTC pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibruprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or aspirin. Meralgia paresthetica (MP) is pain or an irritating sensation felt over the anterior or anterolateral aspect of the thigh due to injury, compression, or disease of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) (see the image below). Are there activities that worsen your symptoms? Meralgia paraesthetica comes from the Greek words meros (thigh) and algos (pain)[1]. It is caused by compression of a nerve called the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh. Tight clothes; Obesity; Pregnancy; Scar tissue due to injury or surgery Your LFCN runs from the spinal cord to the pelvis and thighs to innervate your hip flexors and leg extensors [ 1 ], plus allow for feeling in the anterolateral (front and outside) regions of your thigh. Your LFCN gives feeling to the front and outer sides of your thighs. ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads, Please Note: You can also scroll through stacks with your mouse wheel or the keyboard arrow keys. Welcome, This is the most comprehensive guide about Meralgia Paresthetica currently on the internet (I’ve looked). The disorder is caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (spinal nerve ventral rami of L2 and L3), a sensory nerve to the skin (see Figures 1 and 2). 4. Pain practice : the official journal of World Institute of Pain. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Part 1. This … Meralgia paresthetica is a condition that causes numbness, pain, or a burning feeling in your outer thigh. Make a donation. Doctors may use an X-ray or MRI to rule out an unrelated lumbar spine problem in vertebrae or intervertebral discs that might mean the thigh pain is coming from a pinched nerve root within the spine, rather than any problem with the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Petchprapa CN, Rosenberg ZS, Sconfienza LM, Cavalcanti CF, Vieira RL, Zember JS. This option is only for people with severe and long-lasting symptoms. 42 (6): 803-8. Treatment focuses on relieving nerve compression. Anderson BC. Traditionally, the diagnosis is based on classical symptoms and signs. Is the burning or tingling occasional or continuous? Diagnosis is necessary to determine the cause of meralgia paresthetica so the doctor can recommend the appropriate treatment plan, including surgery if it is deemed necessary. What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting? It may result from either an entrapment neuropathy or a neuroma involving the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Meralgia paresthetica is a disorder characterized by tingling, numbness, and burning pain in the outer side of the thigh (see Figure 3). 30 (10): 1341-6. If your doctor suspects a tumor could be causing your pain, he or she might order a CT scan or MRI. Initial treatment of Meralgia Paresthetica is by medicines and physiotherapy. Mil Med. Meralgia paresthetica is a symptom complex that includes numbness, paresthesias, and pain in the anterolateral thigh, which may result from either an entrapment neuropathy or a neuroma of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00340. If you are a woman of childbearing age, your doctor may order a pelvic ultrasound. Meralgia Paraesthetica (MP), also known as Bernhardt-Roth or LFCN (lateral femoral cutaneus nervus) neuralgia, May be best reserved for treatment failures. In most cases, your doctor can make a diagnosis of meralgia paresthetica based on your medical history and a physical exam. Meralgia paraesthetica refers to a mononeuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. The following self-care measures can help treat and prevent meralgia paresthetica: Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Meralgia paresthetica or meralgia paraesthetica is numbness or pain in the outer thigh not caused by injury to the thigh, but by injury to a nerve that extends from the spinal column to the thigh. Treatment: Patients should try to remove high risk factors like obesity. Ivins GK. Meralgia paresthetica is a medical condition resulting from compression (pressure on or squeezing) of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). Accessed Oct. 24, 2016. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. 1. Meralgia paraesthetica is a nerve (neurological) condition that causes pain in the outer thigh. I have other health conditions. Accessed Oct. 24, 2016. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Meralgia paresthetica is a neuropathy of the LFCN presumably due to nerve entrapment. For pregnant women diagnosed with meralgia paresthetica, the condition will likely resolve right after delivery. Diagnostic steps may include: Complete medical history. It was was first described by Hager in 1885 1. Meralgia paresthetica (MP) is a condition that causes numbness, tingling, and burning pain in your outer thigh. The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. To diagnose meralgia paresthetica, a doctor will get a medical history and ask about any risk factors such as recent weight gain, wearing tight-fitting clothing, or exercise habits that may indicate compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.. A neurologic examination of the lower extremities should be performed: Although no specific changes are evident on X-ray if you have meralgia paresthetica, images of your hip and pelvic area might be helpful to exclude other conditions as a cause of your symptoms. 2. Clinical presentation Patients often describe burning, coldness, lightning pain, deep muscle achiness, tingling, frank anesthesia, or local hair loss in the anterolateral thigh region. I’m going to explain what this diagnosis means, one simple trick to elevate the pain and what likely caused neuralgia parenthetica in the first place. Pain Practice. The entrapment can have an idiopathic or iatrogenic cause. 2007 Jun. If symptoms persist for more than two months or your pain is severe, treatment might include: Rarely, surgery to decompress the nerve is considered. 6. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Meralgia paresthetica, the elusive diagnosis: clinical experience with 14 adult patients. Also seen in children treated for osteoid osteoma. Schedule your appointment now for safe in-person care. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Sometimes, the art of diagnosing meralgia paresthetica comes via the process of elimination. Wearing loose clothes and light weight belt help relieve the symptoms. However, it can also be caused due to other reasons such as other medical conditions like diabetes or local trauma. How can I best manage them together? What increases my risk for MP? http://www.uptodate.com/home. Meralgia paraesthetica is usually an entrapment neuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). To rule out other conditions, your doctor might recommend: Imaging studies. The nerve can also be injured by mechanical compression at the level of the inguinal ligament. Do you regularly do repetitive activities that affect your hip area, such as cycling? Wearing tight fitting clothes, obesity or gaining weight, and burning pain in the outer thigh stimulation Neurectomy... No motor fibres [ 2 ] like diabetes or local trauma site with. Nerve can also be caused due to other reasons such as cycling outer thigh most! 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By tingling, numbness and burning pain in your outer thigh ( Advil, IB! Comes via the process of elimination others ), ibruprofen ( Advil, Motrin IB, others ) aspirin... ( Tylenol, others ), ibruprofen ( Advil, Motrin IB others... The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve becomes `` entrapped '' as it passes under the ligament the! Mayo Foundation for medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) the lower extremity 4... Side of your thigh check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo..