meralgia paresthetica test

Common tests & procedures

To rule out other conditions, your doctor might recommend:

• 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 ...
• Electromyography. ...
• Nerve conduction study. ...
• Nerve blockade. ...

What tests are used to diagnose Meralgia paresthetica?

The treatment possibilities for meralgia paresthetica include:

• Weight Loss.
• Myofascial Release.
• Chiropractic Adjustment.
• Accupuncture.
• Corrective Flexibility.
• Corrective Strength Training.
• Physical Therapy.

How to effectively treat Meralgia paresthetica?

Meralgia paresthetica

• Diagnosis. In most cases, your doctor can make a diagnosis of meralgia paresthetica based on your medical history and a physical exam.
• Treatment. For most people, the symptoms of meralgia paresthetica ease in a few months. ...
• Lifestyle and home remedies. Avoid wearing tight clothing. ...
• Preparing for your appointment. ...

How do you treat Meralgia paresthetica?

Your risk of getting the condition is higher if you:

• Are overweight
• Are pregnant
• Have certain medical conditions, including diabetes, hypothyroidism, and alcoholism
• Are between ages 30 and 60
• Have been exposed to lead-based paint
• Have legs that are different lengths

What is Meralgia paresthetica and what are its causes?

What can be mistaken for meralgia paresthetica?

A number of conditions resemble meralgia paresthetica closely enough that misdiagnosis is possible. These conditions include: Lumbar radiculopathy. Pain caused by compression or inflammation of a nerve in the spine.

Can meralgia paresthetica be seen on MRI?

The authors concluded that 3T MRN was reliable and accurate in the diagnosis of meralgia paresthetica.

Should I go to the ER for meralgia paresthetica?

In some cases, meralgia paresthetica can be a serious condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these serious symptoms including: Leg weakness. Numbness, tingling or weakness in other parts of the body.

How do you test the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve?

Rarely, doctors order a nerve conduction study. This test evaluates how well your lateral femoral cutaneous nerve sends electrical impulses to the surrounding muscles. To measure electrical impulses, your doctor places electrodes along the LFCN. These electrodes measure how fast the LFCN transmits impulses.

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).

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.

Can a chiropractor fix meralgia paresthetica?

Conclusion. In the present case, chiropractic management with standard and applied kinesiology techniques resulted in recovery of meralgia paresthetica symptoms for this patient.

What doctor specializes in meralgia paresthetica?

For the accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan for meralgia paresthetica, it is important to meet with a specialist that is specifically trained in peripheral nerve conditions. Our specialists at Advanced Neurosurgery Associates provide treatment of meralgia paresthetica.

What is a positive femoral nerve test?

To perform a femoral nerve stretch test, a patient lies prone, the knee is passively flexed to the thigh and the hip is passively extended (reverse Lasegues). The test is positive if the patient experiences anterior thigh pain.

Does EMG show meralgia paresthetica?

Radiographs of the hip and EMG can distinguish meralgia paresthetica from radiculopathy or pain emanating from the hip.

How is femoral nerve test done?

0:010:26Femoral Stretch Test - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe femoral stretch test is done with the patient lying prone passively flex the knee and thenMoreThe femoral stretch test is done with the patient lying prone passively flex the knee and then passively extend the hip. Pain that is reproduced down the anterior thigh.

Why would the front of my thigh go numb?

It's caused by compression of the nerve that provides sensation to the skin covering your thigh. Tight clothing, obesity or weight gain, and pregnancy are common causes of meralgia paresthetica. However, meralgia paresthetica can also be due to local trauma or a disease, such as diabetes.

Does meralgia paresthetica cause back pain?

Most patients suffering from a lumbar radiculopathy will have back pain associated with reflex, motor, and sensory changes, whereas patients with meralgia paresthetica will have no back pain and no motor or reflex changes.

Is massage good for meralgia paresthetica?

If tightness is found in any of the hip flexors (hip flexor musculature is often locked short due to prolonged sitting postures at home and work), then moist heat, followed by soft tissue manipulation (massage) and stretching may be helpful; particular attention should be paid to the sartorius and tensor fasciae latae ...

What exercises help meralgia paresthetica?

Exercising for 30 minutes a day at least three or four times a week should help ease meralgia paresthetica pain....Other exercisesbrisk walking.low-impact aerobics.swimming.water aerobics.cycling outdoors or on a stationary bike.

What are the symptoms of meralgia paresthetica?

Many people with meralgia paresthetica experience symptoms including: Pain on the outer thigh, which may extend down to the outer side of the knee. Burning, aching, tingling, stabbing or numbness in the thigh. Symptoms on only one side of the body. Worse pain when your thigh is touched lightly.

What is the test for lead in the pelvic area?

A thorough physical examination will be performed including a hands-on test called a pelvic compression test, in which the doctor applies pressure on your thigh to rule out other causes of your symptoms.

How does a nerve conduction study work?

This test evaluates how well your lateral femoral cutaneous nerve sends electrical impulses to the surrounding muscles. To measure electrical impulses, your doctor places electrodes along the LFCN. These electrodes measure how fast the LFCN transmits impulses.

What nerve is involved in numbness and burning sensations?

Meralgia paresthetica is a medical condition resulting from compression (pressure on or squeezing) of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). This large nerve supplies sensation to the front and side of your thigh. Meralgia paresthetica results in sensations of aching, burning, numbness, or stabbing in the thigh area.

Can you get meralgia paresthetica?

Anyone can develop meralgia paresthetica . However, you are more likely to develop this condition if you are: Diabetic. Exposed to lead paint. Injured by your seatbelt during a car accident. Overweight or obese. Pregnant. Recovering from a recent surgery.

Can you have meralgia paresthetica if you have tight clothing?

You are also more likely to develop meralgia paresthetica if you: Wear tight clothing, girdles, or tight stockings or wear a heavy utility belt (like a tool belt or police gun belt) Have legs of two different lengths. Live with medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or alcoholism.

What is differential diagnosis of L3 lumbar radiculopathy?

Differential Diagnosis. The differential diagnosis includes L3 lumbar radiculopathy or a femoral neuropathy, although both cause motor loss in addition to the sensory symptoms. Radiculopathy is a disease where a compressed nerve in the spine causes pain, numbness, tingling or a weakness along the course of the nerve.

What is neurostimulation for MP?

Neurostimulation techniques including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and cortical electrical stimulation (CES), spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) have also been found effective in the treatment of neuropathic pain as MP. (level of evidence 1a) Exercise.

What is MP in physiotherapy?

MP is also known as Bernhardt-Roth or LFCN neuralgia. It is caused by a damage to the nervus cutaneus femoris lateralis. Diagnosis is made on a coherent history and physical examination. MP is mainly treated by physiotherapists using TENS. All other treatment techniques like KT, Acupuncture, LLT and Manual therapy lack strong scientific evidence and need further investigation. Besides the use of TENS, physical therapists can also treat the causes of MP by increasing the activity level of patients suffering from obesity.

What nerve is in the thigh?

The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) of the thigh is normally a branch of the posterior disunity of the L2 and L3 spinal nerves. It travels through the pelvis heading towards the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and exits the lesser pelvis below the inguinal ligament (IL), anterior to the ASIS. Then, it bifurcates into an anterior and posterior division along the length of the thigh; there, it supplies sensory innervation to the skin of the anterolateral and lateral aspects of the thigh.

What is the first step in treating MP?

The aim of treatment for MP is focused on relieving the compression of the LFCN. The first step would be conservative treatment . If this doesn’t help, the next step would be medical treatment. A surgical treatment is indicated when all the above don’t reduce symptoms.

Can MP be a red flag?

Besides the examination, diagnosis can be based on other additional test like a nerve conduction test of the LFCN. It is very important to note that MP can sometimes occur in combination with certain red flags. These red flags can be the presence of a tumor or a herniated disc in the described area.

Can MP cause pain in the thigh?

A patient can have light pain with spontaneous resolution or may have more severe pain that limits function. Patients may report pain when standing or walking for a long time.

What are the risks of meralgia paresthetica?

The following might increase your risk of meralgia paresthetica: Extra weight. Being overweight or obese can increase the pressure on your lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Pregnancy. A growing belly puts added pressure on your groin, through which the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve passes. Diabetes.

What is the pain in the upper leg called?

Meralgia paresthetica. Meralgia paresthetica. Meralgia paresthetica is a condition characterized by tingling, numbness and burning pain in the outer part of your thigh. The condition is caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which supplies sensation to your upper leg. Meralgia paresthetica is a condition characterized by ...

What causes a pinched nerve in the thigh?

Causes. Meralgia paresthetica occurs when the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve — which supplies sensation to the surface of your outer thigh — becomes compressed, or pinched. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is purely a sensory nerve and doesn't affect your ability to use your leg muscles. In most people, this nerve passes through ...

What causes numbness in the upper thigh?

Pressure on the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which supplies sensation to your upper thigh, might cause these symptoms of meralgia paresthetica: Tingling and numbness in the outer (lateral) part of your thigh. Burning pain on the surface of the outer part of your thigh. These symptoms commonly occur on one side of your body ...

Can meralgia paresthetica be caused by obesity?

Tight clothing, obesity or weight gain, and pregnancy are common causes of meralgia paresthetica. However, meralgia paresthetica can also be due to local trauma or a disease, such as diabetes. In most cases, you can relieve meralgia paresthetica with conservative measures, such as wearing looser clothing. In severe cases, treatment may include ...

What are the symptoms of meralgia paresthetica?

Symptoms of meralgia paresthetica may include: Burning sensation felt in the top or outer side of the thigh. Tingling or numbness. More sensitivity on light touch than on deep pressure.

Why does meralgia paresthetica occur?

Meralgia paresthetica is caused by irritation of the nerve, most commonly from entrapment. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which runs through the pelvis, groin and into the thighs, can become compressed due to swelling, trauma or pressure in the surrounding areas. Common causes of meralgia paresthetica may include:

What nerves are involved in meralgia paresthetica?

Meralgia Paresthetica Symptoms. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerv e branches off the lumbar plexus, a network of nerves that connects the spinal cord in the lower back with the motor and sensory nerves of the legs and lower body. It provides sensation to the front and sides of the thigh. This is a pure sensory nerve and does not operate any muscles.

What is the treatment for a nerve compression?

Proper diagnosis of the underlying cause of the nerve compression is essential for effective treatment. Treatment may include physical therapy, weight loss, nerve block, injections or surgery.

How to treat meralgia paraesthetica?

What is the treatment for meralgia paraesthetica? 1 Avoid wearing tight clothing. 2 If obese, try to lose weight. 3 If painful, medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may help. 4 If itchy, apply cooling lotions or creams as required (camphor and menthol). 5 If itchy, topical steroids are prescribed to treat associated lichen simplex. 6 Local anaesthetic creams may provide temporary relief of symptoms if they are mild and superficial. 7 Corticosteroid injection into the inguinal ligament may reduce swelling and pain. 8 Local nerve block at the inguinal ligament may provide temporary relief of pain. 9 Amitriptyline or other oral tricyclic at night may help sleep and counteract neuropathic symptoms. 10 Gabapentin, pregabalin or other anticonvulsant are sometimes prescribed. 11 Pulsed radiofrequency to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve has been reported. 12 Ultrasound-guided lateral femoral cutaneous nerve neurolysis has been reported. 13 Surgical decompression of the pinched nerve may be undertaken in severe cases.

What is a paraesthetic meralgia?

Meralgia paraesthetica is due to compression or traction of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve in its pathway from the lumbar plexus, L2-3. This most often occurs under the inguinal ligament and may be precipitated by: Stretch injury, including after poor positioning after spinal, pelvic or hip surgery.

What is the difference between meralgia and paraesthetica?

Meralgia means pain in the thigh, and paraesthetica refers to burning pain, tingling or itch. Some patients describe itch in the affected area. Meralgia paraesthetica is also called lateral femoral nerve entrapment syndrome.

What is stretch injury?

Stretch injury, including after poor positioning after spinal, pelvic or hip surgery. Scar tissue after surgery or trauma. Tight clothing, belts and armour. Items in a pocket resulting in a prolonged or repeated compression.

Does corticosteroid help with inguinal ligament pain?

Corticosteroid injection into the inguinal ligament may reduce swelling and pain. Local nerve block at the inguinal ligament may provide temporary relief of pain. Amitriptyline or other oral tricyclic at night may help sleep and counteract neuropathic symptoms.

Is pelvic compression a positive test?

The pelvic compression test is usually positive (this involves deep palpation in the groin). There should be no signs of muscle weakness. Radiology such as ultrasound imaging, X-ray, CT scan or MRI of the hip and pelvic area may be recommended. In many cases, no abnormality is revealed.

Can melagia paraesthetica be numb?

Meralgia paraesthetica is characterised by tingling, numbness, burning pain or rarely, intense itch ( pruritus) on the outside of the thigh. In about one in five people, it can affect both sides. Symptoms can be intermittent or continuous. They tend to be made worse by standing and walking and relieved by sitting.

How to treat meralgia paresthetica?

Meralgia paresthetica is usually treated by managing the patient’s weight, pain medication and ultimately, exercise. The exercise can not only help with any weight loss that you may need as well as stretching and building the muscles in the areas that can help relieve the pain.

What is the term for a leg nerve that is pinched?

Meralgia paresthetica is a condition in which there is too much pressure on one of the nerves in your leg or other damage to a leg nerve. The term “pinched nerve” applies to meralgia paresthetica. This can also be a side effect of obesity as a large belly can cause that pressure on the nerves in question.

Can a corticosteroid shot help with meralgia?

While normally reserved for joint pain, a corticosteroid shot can help relieve the pain and pressure of meralgia paresthetica. This relief can be temporary and multiple shots may be required.

How to stretch quadriceps?

Quadriceps Stretch. Stand facing a wall with one hand on the wall for balance. While bending one leg at the knee, bring your foot toward your rear end. Reach back with your free hand and gently guide your foot closer to your body. Do this until you feel a little bit of stretch in the front of the thigh.

Can meralgia paresthetica cause walking problems?

Meralgia paresthetica can really drag you down. It can make it difficult to do many of your daily physical activities. It often makes walking an issue. But with any luck, some exercises and stretches, and maybe the use of some medication, you might be able to get back on your feet and have your pain reduced.

Can meralgia affect sitting?

You may have heard of it as paresthetica meralgia or Bernhardt-Roth syndrome, and it can affect your everyday life whether moving or sitting. Luckily, there are some techniques you can use to help take care of the issue, including meralgia paresthetica exercises.

Is surgery necessary for meralgia paresthetica?

In the very worst cases of meralgia paresthetica, surgery may be necessary. The surgery should relieve the pressure on the nerve and provide instant relief of any associated pain. That being said, surgery does carry the risks of infection and even possible nerve damage.

Definition / Description

Clinically Relevant Anatomy

Epidemiology / Etiology

Characteristics / Clinical Presentation

Differential Diagnosis

• In most cases, your doctor can make a diagnosis of meralgia paresthetica based on your medical history and a physical exam. 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. Additional examination including strength testing and reflex testing might be...

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Diagnostic Procedures

Outcome Measures

Medical Management

• Meralgia Paraesthetica (MP), also known as Bernhardt-Roth or LFCN (lateral femoral cutaneus nervus) neuralgia, comes from the greek term meros algos meaning thigh pain. MP is caused by damage to the nervus cutaneus femoris lateralis (LFCN). The most common cause of damage to this nerve is entrapment at the level of the inguinal ligament.

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Key Research

Clinical Bottom Line