A number of conditions resemble meralgia paresthetica closely enough that misdiagnosis is possible.
These conditions include:
- Lumbar radiculopathy.
- Trochanteric bursitis.
- Primary hip disease.
- L2-L3 nerve root lesion or other neuropathies.
- Chronic appendicitis.
In this post
What is similar to meralgia paresthetica?
Proximal lesions such as lumbar radiculopathy, lumbar disc herniation, and spinal stenosis have been reported to cause meralgia paresthetica-like syndrome. These proximal lesions directly injure L2 and L3 spinal nerve roots and cause a constant compression of the nerve roots.
Can meralgia paresthetica be seen on MRI?
Imaging studies.
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. A CT scan or MRI might be ordered if your doctor suspects that a tumor could be causing your pain.
What neuropathy is indicated by meralgia paresthetica?
Meralgia paresthetica results from the compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). The LFCN is a large sensory nerve.
Can a tumor cause meralgia paresthetica?
Although meralgia paresthetica is usually caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve at the level of the inguinal ligament, in rare cases it can occur as a result of a lateral femoral cutaneous nerve tumor (e.g., a schwannoma).
Can meralgia paresthetica be permanent?
Sometimes the condition goes away on its own. However, contact a doctor for diagnosis and treatment if you have symptoms of meralgia paresthetica. Treatment is usually successful. Without it, nerve damage can be permanent.
What kind of doctor treats meralgia paresthetica?
A neurologist is an expert in diagnosing and treating problems of your brain, spinal cord and nerves, including these 8 neurological symptoms and disorders. A neurologist treats disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves.
Is meralgia paresthetica a disability?
Meralgia paresthetica is a mononeuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) that can lead to significant disability when the diagnosis is missed or delayed.
Does walking help meralgia paresthetica?
Exercising for 30 minutes a day at least three or four times a week should help ease meralgia paresthetica pain. Some exercises to try include: brisk walking.
Is it sciatica or meralgia paresthetica?
With sciatica, the sciatic nerve becomes irritated and pain can be felt from the lower back and down the back of the thigh and leg. With MP, the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve becomes compressed or pinched. This results in tingling, numbness and/or burning on the lateral (outer) aspect of the thigh.
Can tight hip flexors cause meralgia paresthetica?
The LFCN passes through a narrow region between these two structures. If something changes, like say an increase of swelling or pressure, the nerve can easily become compressed. Factors like hip injuries and repetitive leg motion (like perhaps those required in running) have been tied to meralgia paresthetica [8].
What is Bernhardt Roth syndrome?
Meralgia paresthetica, also known as Bernhardt-Roth syndrome, is caused when one of the sensory nerves of your legs becomes compressed, resulting in a burning sensation felt in your outer thigh.
Is sitting good for meralgia paresthetica?
Symptoms of meralgia paresthetica include: Pain, numbness and tingling, and diminished sensation on the upper outer thigh. Pain may be described as burning, stinging, or “pins and needles” Pain may worsen with prolonged walking or standing, and is relieved by sitting.
How long can meralgia paresthetica last?
It can take some time for your pain to go away. Some people will still feel numbness even after treatment. In most cases, though, you should be able to recover within 4 to 6 weeks.
When is thigh pain serious?
Signs and symptoms that warrant a visit to a medical professional include: Severe pain that limits your ability to function (like having difficulty walking) Thigh pain accompanied by fever or malaise (can be a sign of infection) Thigh pain with redness, swelling, and warmth of your skin (can sign of a blood clot)
Can meralgia paresthetica last for months?
Typically, meralgia paresthetica goes away in a few months on its own or with conservative treatment, like wearing loose-fitting clothing or losing weight. Pregnant women with the condition usually experience relief after giving birth. More severe cases may require medications or surgery.
What aggravates femoral nerve?
More common causes of femoral nerve dysfunction are: Direct injury (trauma) Prolonged pressure on the nerve. Compression, stretching, or entrapment of the nerve by nearby parts of the body or disease-related structures (such as a tumor or abnormal blood vessel)
What can make meralgia paresthetica worse?
The most common causes of meralgia paresthetica are linked to increased pressure in the groin area. They include: Wearing tight garments such as a work belt, a military or police uniform, or tight jeans.
Will a cortisone shot help meralgia paresthetica?
Meralgia paraesthetica is a clinical syndrome for which a number of treatments are in common use, including conservative measures, injection of corticosteroid with local anaesthetic and surgery.
What is the best position to sleep with meralgia paresthetica?
The best option is to sleep on the side opposite the discomfort with a pillow between your legs. (If the burning is in your left thigh, sleep on your right side.) This can help ease the compression of the nerve enough to allow you to get to sleep.
Is meralgia paresthetica a neurological disorder?
Meralgia paresthetica is a neurological condition. It causes numbness, tingling, and sometimes a burning sensation in an oval-shaped area along the outer part of the thigh.