Diagnosis is largely based on patient description and relevant details about recent surgeries, hip injuries, or repetitive activities that could irritate the nerve. Examination checks for sensory differences between the affected leg and the other leg. Differentiation of<unk>  from a second lumbar root lesion remains the greatest problem in diagnosis and relies on the careful delineation of the<unk> area, the degree of numbness and a negative MR scan of the lumbar spine. Although the L2 area and the area supplied by the lateral cutaneous nerve correspond well laterally, the second root also contributes to the innervation of the groin and the inner aspect of the thigh. Furthermore, in L2 root lesions the analgesia is very slight because of the overlap between L2 and L3, whereas in lesions of the lateral cutaneous nerve, there is almost full anaesthesia, with a clear-cut border. Accurate diagnosis may require an abdominal and pelvic examination to exclude problems in those areas. Electromyographic (EMG) nerve-conduction studies may be required. X-rays may be needed to exclude bone abnormalities that might put pressure on the nerve; likewise CT or MRI scans to exclude soft tissue causes such as a tumor.
Meralgia paraesthetica
Palsy
Synesthesia
Hypoesthesia
Neuralgia
Dysesthesia
Grapheme–color synesthesia
Lexical–gustatory synesthesia