Diagnosis
In order to be able to make a diagnosis, usually first a discussion takes place, in which the concerning describes the symptoms, the temporal process and accompanying symptoms, it is also important to describe accompanying illnesses and the taken medicines. This is followed by a physical examination and possibly a blood test. If the doctor suspects that there is something wrong, he may order an imaging, e.g. an MRI of the spine.
Further diagnostics may follow in order to classify the symptoms more precisely. A numbness in the thigh is usually treated by a specialist in neurology. In the case of a herniated disc, an orthopedic specialist may also be involved. In case of uncertainty, the family doctor should be consulted, who can then issue the correct referral.
Other accompanying symptoms
The accompanying symptoms, which often occur with numbness in the thigh, depend on the underlying disease and can vary accordingly. Pain or burning sensation may accompany the numbness, as well as tingling and other sensitivity disorders. Paralysis or impaired vision may in some cases be accompanying, as well as bladder and bowel emptying disorders.
If back pain occurs in addition to numbness in the leg, this is typical for a slipped disc in the lumbar spine. The pain can radiate into the leg, and paralysis or sensation can also occur. If disorders occur during bowel and bladder emptying, a doctor should be consulted urgently.
TreatmentTherapy
Numbness in the thigh is treated depending on the causative disease. If a herniated disc is the underlying disease, the therapy of the herniated disc is often physiotherapy and adequate pain medication. If the herniated disc is very severe, an intervertebral disc surgery can also be performed as a therapeutic option.
If the cause is a meralgia paraesthetica, i.e. a constriction of the nerve below the inguinal ligament, there is usually a triggering factor for the pressure increase in the groin. Jeans that are too tight should be avoided and in case of obesity, weight should be reduced. If multiple sclerosis has actually been diagnosed by the doctor as the underlying disease, there are drug therapy options for MS.
In so-called MS relapses, a cortisone preparation is usually administered through the vein in the hospital, usually for 3-5 days. After the relapse therapy, a long-term therapy with a basic medication for MS is initiated. Various drugs are available and the appropriate one is selected together with the treating physician. If there is insufficient improvement or if there are side effects, the medication can be changed again in the course of the treatment. For other causes (e.g. stroke and certain forms of polyneuropathy) there are other suitable treatment options.
