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Meralgia Paresthetica

Shane L. Larson, MD and Ryan Thompson, Doctor of Osteopathy Reviewed 06/2022
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Meralgia paresthetica (MP) describes an entrapment of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN).

  • The symptoms of MP include pain, numbness and tingling, and sensory loss over the ant...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Patients with MP present with unilateral decreased sensation, pain (burning), coldness, “electric shock” sensation, or ache of the anterolateral aspect of the thigh.

  • Symptoms may impro...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • MP is usually self-limited  (3).

  • Reassurance and education are paramount (3).

  • Lifestyle change

    • Avoid tight belts/clothes.

    • Discuss weight loss.

    • Control risk factors (diabetes, alc...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Follow up is not indicated unless there is no resolution of symptoms over the proceeding two months.

  • Consider other diagnoses if symptoms are persistent.

PATIENT EDUCATION

REFERENCES

1
Cheatham  SW, Kolber  MJ, Salamh  PA. Meralgia paresthetica: a review of the literature. Int J Sports Phys Ther.  2013; 8(6): 883– 893.  ...

ADDITIONAL READING

Onat SS, Ata AM, Ozcakar L. Ultrasound-guided treatment and diagnosis of meralgia paresthetica. Pain Physician. 2016;19(4):667–669.  

CODES

ICD10

  • G57.10 Meralgia paresthetica, unspecified lower limb

  • G57.11 Meralgia paresthetica, right lower limb

  • G57.12 Meralgia paresthetica, left lower limb

SNOMED

  • 85007004 Meralgia paresthetica (disorder...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • MP describes an entrapment of the LFCN.

  • Unilateral pain (burning), numbness, coldness, electric shock sensation, or ache of the anterolateral aspect of the thigh

  • Education is important t...

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