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What Causes Numbness And Tingling In Upper Thigh?

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Posted on Mon, 3 Nov 2014
Question: I have a numbness, tingling in upper thigh groin area that I have had mildly for several years, now it has become more so. I cannot stand for long periods and have to sit .Can you please tell me what it might be?,
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
peripheral neuropathy

Detailed Answer:
HI,thanks for using healthcare magic

Numbness and tingling are altered sensations that are due to abnormal function or structure of the peripheral nerves (nerves that are outside of the brain and spinal cord, may lead from these areas or be far away from).

This is called peripheral neuropathy.

There are different possible causes such as: (1) vitamin b12 or folate deficiency

(2)trauma or compression of the nerves which can occur masses, arthritis, surgery

(3)liver or kidney disease

(4)diabetes

(5)exposure to toxins

(6)some autoimmune or hormonal disease

(7)side effect of medication

(8)idiopathic- cause is not known

The nerve that supplies the groin area that you are describing emerges from between the last vertebra (bone in the back) in the chest and the L1 vertebra and it also may be related to nerves from between L1 and L2. (first and second vertebra in the lumbar area) .
L refers to lumbar vertebra- bones in the lower back.

If it affects lower aspects of the thigh then it may also concern nerves that come out a little lower from the spinal cord.

The nerves may be affected at different points: (1)as they come out of the spinal cord- eg by arthritis and other changes in the structure of the spine

(2)as they travel to supply the areas in the groin area and upper thigh eg at the hips, travel through the muscles

To determine the cause, your doctor would need to take a careful history to determine the cause.
Physical assessment of the spine and also the lower limbs would also be needed.

Investigations would include an xray or other imaging of the spine and hips .

Bloods checking for diabetes, liver or kidney disease may also be needed.

Treatment would depend on the cause found.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Numbness And Tingling In Upper Thigh?

Brief Answer: peripheral neuropathy Detailed Answer: HI,thanks for using healthcare magic Numbness and tingling are altered sensations that are due to abnormal function or structure of the peripheral nerves (nerves that are outside of the brain and spinal cord, may lead from these areas or be far away from). This is called peripheral neuropathy. There are different possible causes such as: (1) vitamin b12 or folate deficiency (2)trauma or compression of the nerves which can occur masses, arthritis, surgery (3)liver or kidney disease (4)diabetes (5)exposure to toxins (6)some autoimmune or hormonal disease (7)side effect of medication (8)idiopathic- cause is not known The nerve that supplies the groin area that you are describing emerges from between the last vertebra (bone in the back) in the chest and the L1 vertebra and it also may be related to nerves from between L1 and L2. (first and second vertebra in the lumbar area) . L refers to lumbar vertebra- bones in the lower back. If it affects lower aspects of the thigh then it may also concern nerves that come out a little lower from the spinal cord. The nerves may be affected at different points: (1)as they come out of the spinal cord- eg by arthritis and other changes in the structure of the spine (2)as they travel to supply the areas in the groin area and upper thigh eg at the hips, travel through the muscles To determine the cause, your doctor would need to take a careful history to determine the cause. Physical assessment of the spine and also the lower limbs would also be needed. Investigations would include an xray or other imaging of the spine and hips . Bloods checking for diabetes, liver or kidney disease may also be needed. Treatment would depend on the cause found. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions