Pinning the pain: A case of anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment

Abstract

Chronic abdominal pain is a common reason for medical consultation. During evaluation the focus often remains on visceral causes, ignoring the possibility of abdominal wall as the pain generator. Abdominal wall pain secondary to anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome is not infrequent. However, the awareness about the condition is low and specific diagnostic tests for its diagnosis are lacking. Good communication with the patient, high degree of suspicion, and comprehensive clinical examination are keys to establish the diagnosis. The case report highlights the importance of ultrasound-guided superficial nerve blocks in confirming the diagnosis of such cases.

Keywords

• Abdominal wall pain
• anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome
• anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment
• neuropathic pain
• ultrasound-guided nerve block