American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is a common cause of meralgia paresthetica?

1. Injury

2. Obesity

3. Sports activity

4. Old age

The correct answer is: Obesity

Meralgia paresthetica is characterized by sensory disturbances, such as tingling, numbness, and pain in the outer thigh, typically caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. One of the most prevalent contributing factors to this condition is obesity. Excess body weight can lead to increased pressure on the nerve, especially in areas where it passes through the inguinal ligament. This is particularly relevant in obese individuals, where the thickness of the subcutaneous fatty tissue can exacerbate nerve entrapment. While injury, sports activity, or old age can contribute to nerve compression or predispose individuals to nerve conditions, obesity is particularly significant because it is a modifiable risk factor that can dramatically affect the likelihood of developing meralgia paresthetica. Managing weight can therefore be a crucial aspect of both preventing and treating this condition by alleviating the pressure on the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.