What Causes Intermittent Vibrating Sensations In The Thigh?

Posted on Tue, 12 Jul 2016

Question: I have an intermittent light vibratory sensation in my thigh. It lasts 3-8 seconds and seems rhythmical somehow. Duration about two days now. Doesn't hurt, just irritates me.

Answered by Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need details pf your complaint

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXX, thanks for asking from HCM.

I can understand your concern. You are having tingling (Paresthesias) sensation in thigh. It can be due to many causes like

: Diabetic neuropathy
: Alcohol induced neuropathy
: lumbar Disc herniation
: Peripheral sensory neuropathy due to drugs, toxins etc.
: Syrinx
: Spinal cord tumor

To make some conclusion, I need more information about your complaint like

: Is there any backpain?

: Any aggravating factors or relieving factors?

: Any history of alcohol, Diabetes, chronic drug use?

: Radiation of sensation to any area?

: Any loss of sensation like painless burn, wound?

Hope you will understand my point. If any doubt, do let me know.

Thanks. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (45 minutes later)

No back pain, no aggravating factors or receiving factors. When l crouch down I feel it more...slightly. No alcohol, no drug use or toxins I'm aware of. I take a magnesium drink every night to sleep better and relax. I'm physically active and healthy. My skin around my chest has gotten very red and hot after showering the last few days. It takes an hour to calm down....incidental symptom?

Answered by Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Differential Diagnosis of disease and approach

Detailed Answer:
Hu XXXXX, welcome back.

I have read your clinical history. Thanks for answering my questions. If your paresthesias occur more while sitting in crouch down, it means it is because of stretching of posterior (back) part of thigh. It could be due to

: Lumbar canal stenosis

: Piriformis muscle compressing on sciatica nerve

The usual site of tingling (paresthesia) is back of thigh, late stage leads to burning pain, more symptoms on sitting/crouch down, relief on standing.

For confirmation, you have to consult neurologist. He will examine you and may advise

: MRI lumbar spine to find lumbar canal stenosis, nerve compression

: Nerve conduction velocity to know exact nerve involvement

Treatment is usually conservative. You need to follow few tips to get relief

: Avoid forward bending/sitting for prolonged time
: If overweight, kindly reduce weight.
: Kindly take capsule B complex after prescription. Also include green leafy vegetables, fruits in your diet.
: Rule out diabetes by getting your blood sugar level done.
: Do regular exercise to make muscles flexible. It will reduce compression on nerve.
: In late stages of lumbar canal stenosis, surgery may be needed

Hope it will help you. If still in doubt, do let me know.

Thanks. Take care.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar