[Raglet]

hi guys

does anyone know anything about femoral nerve neuropathy? Strictly speaking it is not peripheral neuropathy (or so I have read) but the distinction is lost on me. Neuropathy is neuropathy.

I now have a fairly limited ability to lift my left leg, and do a lot of 'leg dragging' when I walk. I have lupus, and this is just more of the same old same old for me, but it is very annoying. I am ok just walking around the house or at work, but as soon as I walk any distance at all my leg starts feeling like a dead weight.

I hate this stupid disease - honestly, I am so over it. I have an appointment with my rheumatologist this week (my main doctor who treats my lupus - this is just part of my lupus) plus I see my neuro in March.

I also have sensori-motor axonal neuropathy

cheers

raglet

[glenntaj]

--the femoral nerve wouldn't be considered a peripheral nerve; it does arise from the L2/L3/L4 roots in the lumbar plexus, so it's not spinal, but one step removed.

Entrapment syndromes of the femoral nerve are actually fairly common among diabetics and people with autoimmune vasculitic/connective tissue disorders--there are a lot of anatomical points at which pressure can be applied and disrupt function:

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1234809-overview

Considering the several branches the femoral nerve splits into, symptoms down the thigh are often difficult to isolate to a particular part of the nerve, and a lot of NCV/EMG testing may be needed.

[Raglet]

thanks Glen - I have been wondering if this is considered nerve root ? I have lupus, so my nerve problems are autoimmune, and I think that this will be considered as being mononeuritis multiplex rather than peripheral neuropathy.

I see my rheumie tomorrow so I will talk to her about it, but I have to wait until March to talk to my neuro. Aint that always the way when you have a 'burning question'.

My previous nerve conduction studies have shown signs of radiculopathy, so maybe that is it.

thanks again,

raglet