obsolete Lateral cutaneous femoral nerve of thigh compression or syndrome

Meralgia Paresthetica: A Condition Causing Numbness and Pain in the Outer Thigh

Meralgia paresthetica, also known as lateral femoral cutaneous nerve syndrome, is a condition that affects the outer thigh. It occurs when the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) becomes compressed or pinched, leading to numbness, pain, and tingling sensations in the affected area.

Causes of Meralgia Paresthetica

The LFCN can become compressed due to various reasons such as:

• Swelling and inflammation in the surrounding areas
• Trauma or injury to the nerve
• Pressure from tight clothing, belts, or other external factors

Symptoms of Meralgia Paresthetica

The symptoms of meralgia paresthetica include:

• Numbness and tingling sensations on the outer thigh
• Painful, burning sensation on the outer side of the thigh
• Sensory loss within the distribution of the LFCN

Prevalence and Demographics

Meralgia paresthetica most often occurs in individuals between 30 to 40 years old. The reported incidence rate is approximately 4.3 cases per million people.

Treatment and Management

The treatment for meralgia paresthetica typically involves relieving the compression on the LFCN, which can be achieved through various methods such as:

• Wearing loose clothing
• Avoiding tight belts or other external pressure
• Using pain-relieving medications
• In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve the compression.

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Diagnostic Tests for Meralgia Paresthetica (Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Compression)

Meralgia paresthetica, also known as lateral femoral cutaneous nerve syndrome, is a condition characterized by the compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. The diagnosis can be made through various diagnostic tests.

• Nerve Conduction Study: This test involves stimulating the nerve with a mild electrical impulse to diagnose damaged nerves. A comparison of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve on each side may be performed [9][11].
• Pelvic Compression Test: This test is used to confirm the involvement of the LFCN by applying downward pressure on the patient's ilium/pelvis while they lie on their unaffected side [14].
• X-ray or MRI: These imaging tests may be required to exclude or identify other injuries that may be causing the symptoms [6][15].
• Blood Analysis: A full blood analysis, including thyroid function testing, should be performed as meralgia paresthetica has been associated with hypothyroidism [8].

These diagnostic tests can help confirm the diagnosis of meralgia paresthetica and rule out other potential causes of symptoms.

References:

[1] Meralgia paresthetica is also known as Bernhardt Roth syndrome, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve syndrome, or lateral femoral cutaneous neuralgia. [4] The diagnosis can consistently and reliably be made by accurately mapping the area of dysesthesia, confirming the involvement of the LFCN by judiciously ... [5] Meralgia paresthetica is a symptom complex that includes numbness, paresthesias, and pain in the anterolateral thigh. [6] Sep 17, 2019 — A nerve conduction study may be required to confirm the diagnosis. An xray, or MRI may also be required to exclude/identify other injuries. [8] by D Harney · 2007 · Cited by 206 — A full blood analysis should be performed, including thyroid function testing, as MP has been associated with hypothyroidism [52]. When there is ... [9] Jan 25, 2024 — The electrical impulse helps diagnose damaged nerves. A comparison of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve on each side may be performed. [11] Nerve conduction study. Patch-style electrodes are placed on your skin to stimulate the nerve with a mild electrical impulse. The electrical impulse helps diagnose damaged nerves. A comparison of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve on each side may be performed. This test might be done primarily to exclude other causes for the symptoms. Nerve ... [14] Meralgia paresthetica is also known as Bernhardt Roth syndrome, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve syndrome, or lateral femoral cutaneous neuralgia.[1] ... Diagnostic maneuvers include the pelvic compression test in which the patient lies on their unaffected side, and the examiner applies downward pressure on the patient’s ilium/pelvis for ... [15] For more than 50 years, Charlotte Radiology has been one of the nation's largest and most progressive radiology practices. With state-of-the-art technology, innovative procedures, and 100+ subspecialized radiologists, our offering is unparalleled - all part of our unwavering commitment to elevating both patient care and the patient experience.

Based on the provided context, it appears that meralgia paresthetica, also known as lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) compression or syndrome, can be treated with various medications.

• Pain relief medications: Analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and amitriptyline have been reported to reduce burning pain and paraesthesiae in some studies [4].
• Anticonvulsants: Gabapentin, Lyrica, or Cymbalta are sometimes prescribed to treat pain from meralgia paresthetica [5]. These medications can help alleviate nerve-related pain.
• Corticosteroids: Cortisone injections may be used in some cases to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms [6].
• Antidepressants: Amitriptyline, an antidepressant medication, has been used off-label to treat chronic pain conditions, including meralgia paresthetica [4].

It's essential to note that these medications are often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which may also include physical therapy, weight reduction, heat application, and lifestyle modifications.

References:

[4] - Other studies reported several measures to reduce burning pain and paraesthesiae including analgesics, non‐steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, amitriptyline, ... [Context 4] [5] - Gabapentin, Lyrica, or Cymbalta are non-narcotic medications that are sometimes prescribed to treat pain from meralgia paresthetica. However, it's important to ... [Context 5] [6] - Sep 17, 2019 — 90% of LFCN injuries will resolve with conservative physiotherapy management (see below). In some situations a cortisone injection to the ... [Context 6]

The differential diagnosis for lateral cutaneous femoral nerve (LCFN) compression, also known as meralgia paresthetica, includes several conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Here are some of the possible differential diagnoses:

• L3 lumbar radiculopathy: This condition involves compression or irritation of the L3 nerve root, which can cause pain and sensory loss in the thigh.
• Femoral neuropathy: This is a condition where the femoral nerve is compressed or irritated, leading to weakness and sensory loss in the front of the thigh.
• Root compression syndrome (L2 and L3): Compression of the L2 or L3 nerve roots can cause similar symptoms to meralgia paresthetica, including pain and sensory loss in the thigh.

These conditions should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis for lateral cutaneous femoral nerve compression. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms.

• [5] The differential diagnosis includes: L3 lumbar radiculopathy or femoral neuropathy, although both cause a motor loss in addition to the sensory symptoms.
• [13] The diagnosis can consistently and reliably be made by accurately mapping the area of dysesthesia, confirming the involvement of the LFCN by judiciously injecting a small amount of anesthetic at the site where the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve exits the pelvis, and ruling out more proximal sources of L1, L2, or L3 nerve root involvement.
• [14] Meralgia paresthetica is one of the peripheral nerve disorders that is commonly associated with and can be categorized as an entrapment neuropathy with a long list of differential diagnoses, some of which are general and applicable to most of the peripheral nerves while others address a more specific lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN ...