What Causes Pain In Upper Thigh?

Brief Answer:
would need assessment

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Abnormally sensations are normally due to peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage or change in function of the peripheral nerves (nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord).

It can cause a number of different possible sensations such as: numbness,shooting pains or 'electric pains' as mentioned tingling, sticking pain, burning etc

There are different possible causes such as: (1)diabetes
(2)vitamin b12 or folate deficiency
(3)trauma or compression of nerves involved the specific area. This can occur along the passage of the nerves from the spine. Can occur for instance in arthritis of the spine
(4)exposure to toxins
(5)liver disease
(6)neurological conditions such as stroke, ms
(7)kidney disease
(8)idiopathic- the cause is not known
(9)some autoimmune or hormonal conditions in certain cases

To determine the cause, your doctor would need to take a careful history to determine if there are any underlying conditions that may be causing the problem.

Examination is also needed. By examination, your doctor would be able to determine which nerves are likely involved. In the upper thigh, the nerves would be likely L2 to L3, depending on exact area involved.

This means that the nerves that supply this area emerge from between the 2 and 3 vertebra in the lower back or between the 3rd and 4th vertebra.

Investigations- this would depend on the results of the history and examination but may consist of - xrays of the spine,
blood tests- vitamin levels, screening for diabetes, liver and kidney tests

The treatment would depend slightly on the cause found but there are some medications that are used to help with neurological abnormal sensations. Examples are lyrica, tegretol, gabapentin, amitriptyline

These medications fall into the category of anti seizure meds or anti depressant but have been found to be very useful for persons with nerve related pain who do not have seizures or depression.

Summary: (1)different possible causes
(2)would need physical assessment to determine nerve involved
(3)investigations may be needed
(4)treatment would vary slightly based on the cause

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

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