Meralgia Paraesthetica

• What is Meralgia Paraesthetica
• Statistics on Meralgia Paraesthetica
• Risk Factors for Meralgia Paraesthetica
• Progression of Meralgia Paraesthetica
• Symptoms of Meralgia Paraesthetica
• Clinical Examination of Meralgia Paraesthetica
• How is Meralgia Paraesthetica Diagnosed?
• Prognosis of Meralgia Paraesthetica
• How is Meralgia Paraesthetica Treated?
• Meralgia Paraesthetica References

What is Meralgia Paraesthetica

Meralgia paraesthetica is a condition caused by entrapment or injury to the nerve that supplies sensation to the outer part of the thigh. Patients may experience a dull ache, itching, numbness, tingling, or burning sensation in the outer thigh that may cause mild to severe discomfort.

Statistics on Meralgia Paraesthetica

Although uncommon meralgia parasthetica is not rare, and hence is probably under diagnosed. Meralgia parastehtica has been reported in up as much as 35% of patients referred for assessment of leg discomfort.
The prevalence is estimated to be 3 cases per 10 000 population.The majority of cases occur in individuals between 30-65 years of age, although it has been reported at both extremes of age. In half of the cases, both legs may be affected.

Risk Factors for Meralgia Paraesthetica

Meralgia paraesthetica occurs more commonly in men than women, and is generally found in middle-aged or overweight individuals. It is also seen in people with diabetes and in women who are pregnant.

Progression of Meralgia Paraesthetica

Meralgia paraesthetica is due to the entrapment or compression of the nerve that supplies sensation to the outer part of the thigh. Compression may occur next to the spine, within the abdominal cavity, or as the nerve exits the pelvis.
It may be caused by something as simple as tight clothing, or by other conditions such as trauma, surgery, pregnancy, diabetes and some infections. Sometimes a cause is not found.

How is Meralgia Paraesthetica Diagnosed?

No special tests may be needed to diagnose meralgia paraesthetica. Sometimes however, nerve conduction tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other nerve disorders.
Tests such as x-rays, MRI scans and blood tests may also be performed if an underlying disease is suspected to be causing the symptoms.

Prognosis of Meralgia Paraesthetica

Prognosis depends on the cause of the meralgia paraesthetica. If it is caused by something reversible, such as tight clothing, symptoms often recover quickly once this is addressed. The abnormal sensations usually get better over time, but the numbness may persist.

How is Meralgia Paraesthetica Treated?

If possible, the cause of compression should be removed. This might mean wearing loose clothing and losing weight for some patients. Treatments such as physiotherapy, heat packs and pain medications are often enough to control symptoms for most patients. Patients with severe symptoms may be helped by surgery, although this is not always effective.

Meralgia Paraesthetica References

1. Massey EW: Sensory mononeuropathies. Semin Neurol 1998; 18(2): 177-83[Medline].
2. Meralgia Paresthetica. Dynamic Chiropractic, August 14, 1992, Volume 10, Issue 17. [available online @ http://www.chiroweb.com/archives/10/17/01.html]
3. Sekul, E. Meralgia Paresthetica. eMedicine 2001. [available online @ http://www.emedicine.com/neuro/topic590.htm]
4. Tierney, McPhee, Papadakis. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment, 2001.