Meralgia Paraesthetica
What is meralgia paraesthetica?
Meralgia paresthetica is a neurological condition which causes numbness, tingling, and sometimes a burning sensation in an oval-shaped area along the outer aspect of the thigh.
What causes meralgia paraesthetica?
Meralgia paresthetica is typically caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve of the thigh as it passes through the inguinal ligament in the groin. This nerve supplies sensation to the skin over the outer thigh. In many cases there is no specific factor which can be identified as the cause of this compression. However some factors may play a role, including obesity, tight belts or clothing, diabetes, and pregnancy. Occasionally, trauma to the nerve may have occurred.
How is meralgia paraesthetica treated?
In many cases, meralgia paresthetica settles with conservative measures, such as weight loss and avoiding tight belts or clothing. In persistent cases a steroid injection around the nerve may help. More severe cases which fail the above measures, and do not respond to medications, may be treated with surgery.
What does surgery involve?
Surgery involves a relatively small operation in the groin. The ligament which is compressing the nerve is divided, and the nerve is decompressed. Most patients obtain a benefit from surgery.
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