Meralgia paresthetica is a clinical syndrome resulting from entrapment of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve of the thigh in the inguinal region. Meralgia paresthetica is usually seen in middle aged men who are overweight.
Men are three times more commonly affected than women.
Obesity and obstructive pulmonary disease with a chronic cough are common predisposing factors. The cardinal symptom is paresthesia or numbness in the thigh. In advanced stages the paresthesia tends to be replaced by sharp shooting pains that may be intractable in any position. The diagnosis is based on the clinical history and the demonstration of sensory loss strictly within the distribution of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Symptoms tend to regress spontaneously, but recurrence common.