Meralgia paraesthetica

Common card · No. 228706

Meralgia paresthetica or meralgia paraesthetica is pain or abnormal sensations in the outer thigh not caused by injury to the thigh, but by injury to a nerve which provides sensation to the lateral thigh. Meralgia paresthetica is a specific instance of nerve entrapment. The nerve involved is the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). The symptoms are purely sensory because the LFCN has no motor function. This syndrome can be caused by anything which places prolonged pressure on the LFCN, such as wearing a tight belt. The diagnosis is typically done via clinical examination and patient history, followed by a diagnostic nerve block. The condition will often resolve on its own within two years even without treatment. Non-surgical treatments include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and therapeutic injections. Surgical treatments include nerve decompression and neurectomy.

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