Meralgia Paresthetica
What is meralgia paresthetica?
Meralgia paresthetica is characterized by a burning pain, numbness, and/or tingling along the outer thigh.
What causes meralgia paresthetica?
Meralgia paresthetica is caused by compression or damage to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve exits the spinal cord between the L2 and L3 vertebrae, and is responsible for supplying sensation to your outer thigh.
Who is at risk for meralgia paresthetica?
- Those who are overweight (increased pressure on the nerve)
- Pregnancy (increased pressure on the nerve)
- Diabetes (injury to the nerve)
- Increased age (nerve degeneration)
What are the symptoms of meralgia paresthetica?
Burning pain, numbness, and/or tingling along the outer thigh.
How is meralgia paresthetica diagnosed?
How is meralgia paresthetica treated?
Nonsurgical
- Lifestyle modification (looser clothing, weight loss)
- Over the counter medications for symptom control (NSAIDs, acetaminophen)
- Prescription medications for symptom control (gabapentin, Lyrica, steroids)
- Steroid injection into the nerve
Surgical
Nerve decompression in severe cases