Meralgia Paresthetica

Healthcare providers can typically diagnose meralgia paresthetica with a physical exam and a thorough understanding of your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle.

Your provider will review your medical and surgical history. As several situations and conditions can cause meralgia paresthetica, they’ll ask many questions to try to determine the possible cause of your symptoms.

They’ll perform a thorough physical exam, including a hands-on test called a pelvic compression test. During this test, your provider will apply pressure on your thigh to rule out other causes of your symptoms. They may perform other light touch and reflex tests.

If they can’t determine the cause of meralgia paresthetica, they’ll likely order certain medical tests.

What tests will be done to diagnose meralgia paresthetica?

If your healthcare provider can’t determine the cause of meralgia paresthetica based on your medical and lifestyle history, they may order blood tests to check the following:

Thyroid hormone levels for signs of hypothyroidism.
B vitamin levels for signs of vitamin B12 deficiency or folate deficiency, which can affect nerve function.
Lead levels for signs of lead poisoning.
Blood glucose levels for signs of diabetes.
Hemoglobin test or hematocrit test to look for evidence of anemia.

They may order an X-ray of your pelvis and thigh to rule out other medical conditions, like bone tumors. Other imaging tests, such as a CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can check for other spinal or nerve issues, like a herniated disc.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

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