Causes of unilateral leg numbness
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Common Neurological Causes of Unilateral Leg Numbness
Unilateral leg numbness is often linked to nerve or spinal cord issues. Lumbar radiculopathy is a frequent cause, presenting with back pain, weakness, and numbness in one leg. It is commonly seen in emergency settings and can be mistaken for other conditions if not carefully evaluated . Multiple sclerosis can also cause episodes of numbness and weakness in one leg, especially during relapses, as part of its relapsing-remitting neurological symptoms . Additionally, rare conditions like thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum can compress the spinal cord, leading to chronic unilateral leg pain and numbness, sometimes mimicking sciatica .
Vascular and Surgical Causes of Unilateral Leg Numbness
Acute aortic occlusion is a less common but critical cause of sudden unilateral leg numbness and weakness. This vascular emergency can be mistaken for nerve root problems but is distinguished by absent pulses and sometimes skin changes in the affected leg. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to restore blood flow and prevent permanent damage .
Surgical procedures, such as leg vein harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting, can also result in long-term numbness due to nerve injury. Many patients report numbness or tingling at the wound site, with some experiencing persistent symptoms for years after surgery .
Peripheral Nerve and Localized Causes
Localized peripheral neuropathies can cause unilateral leg numbness. For example, meralgia paresthetica, which affects the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, can present as numbness in the anterior thigh. There are rare reports of this condition occurring after COVID-19 vaccination, even in the absence of typical risk factors . Additionally, neurogenic causes such as persistent unilateral tibialis anterior muscle hypertrophy can be preceded by pain and numbness, indicating underlying nerve dysfunction .
Conclusion
Unilateral leg numbness can result from a variety of causes, including nerve root compression, spinal cord disorders, vascular emergencies, surgical nerve injury, and localized peripheral neuropathies. Accurate diagnosis requires careful clinical evaluation and, when necessary, imaging or neurophysiological studies to distinguish between these diverse etiologies 123456.
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