Meralgia Paresthetica Flashcards
What is meralgia paresthetica?
Sensory symptoms of the lateral thigh due to compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve
What is a mononeuropathy?
Only affects a single nerve
What are the nerve routes of the lumbar plexus?
Interestingly I Get Layed On Fridays
Iliohypogastric- L1 +Contributions from T12
Ilioinguinal- L1
Genitofemoral- L1, L2
Lateral Cutaneous- L2, L3
Obturator- L2,L3,L4
Femoral- L2,L3,L4
Where does the lateral cutaneous nerve arise?
Behind the psoas, around the iliacus and underneath the inguinal ligament
Medial and inferior to the ASIS
What nerve fibres does the lateral cutaneous nerve have?
Sensory
How does meralgia paresthetica present?
Dysesthesia (abnormal sensations) and anaesthia in the nerve distribution
What symptoms do patients with meralgia paresthetica complain of?
Burning
Numbness
Paraesthesia
Cold sensation
Localised hair loss
What aggravates symptoms of meralgia paresthetica?
Walking or standing for a long duration, improved when sitting down
Symptoms are worse with hip extension on the affected side
Wearing tight belts
How is meralgia paresthetica diagnosed?
Clinical, based on history and examination
Other investigations are used to rule out other causes e.g. pelvic tumours
What is the conservative management of meralgia paresthetica?
Rest
Looser clothing
Weight loss
Physiotherapy
What is the medical management of meralgia paresthetica?
Paracetamol
NSAIDs
Neuropathic analgesia
Steroid injections or local anaesthetics
What is the surgical management of meralgia paresthetica?
Decompression
Transection- Cutting the nerve
Resection- Removing the nerve
