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Femoral nerve dysfunction

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Neuropathy - femoral nerve

Treatment:

Treatment is aimed at increasing mobility and independence. The cause of the damage should be identified and treated if necessary. In some cases, no treatment is required and recovery happens by itself.

Conservative treatment is given if there is sudden onset of symptoms, minimal sensation or movement changes, no history of trauma to the area, and no evidence of nerve degeneration.

Corticosteroids injected into the area may reduce swelling and pressure on the nerve in some cases. Pain medication may be needed to control symptoms. Various other medications (phenytoin, carbamazepine, gabapentin, or tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline) may reduce the stabbing pains that some people experience. Whenever possible, medication should be avoided or reduced to lessen the risk of side effects.

Surgical removal of tumors or other growths that press on the nerve may benefit some cases.

Physical therapy may be helpful to maintain muscle strength. Orthopedic appliances such as braces or splints may help in walking. Vocational counseling, occupational therapy, job changes or retraining, or similar interventions may be recommended.

Expectations (prognosis):

If the cause of the femoral nerve dysfunction can be identified and successfully treated, there is a possibility of full recovery. In some cases, there may be partial or complete loss of movement or sensation resulting in some degree of permanent disability.

Nerve pain may be quite uncomfortable and continue for a long time. Trauma to the femoral area may also injure the femoral artery, which can cause fatal bleeding.

Complications:

A complication is a recurrent or an unnoticed injury to the leg.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms of femoral nerve dysfunction develop.

• Review Date: 1/23/2006
• Reviewed By: Kevin Sheth, M.D., Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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