Question 1

whats thoracic outlet syndrome?

Accepted Answer

TOS: Tos involves the lower portion of the brachial plexus, where nerves from the neck pass through a tunnel into the chest on the way to the arm.  The plexus can get trapped in the outlet area, and this event can cause pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, but can also affect blood vessels.  On occasion, a congenital first rib can cause compression but trauma may also promote tos.

Question 2

what is thoracic outlet syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Narrowing of space: Thoracic outlet syndrome is narrowng of the space between the first rib and the anterior scalene muscle.  The axillary vein and artery and brachial plexus nerve passes through this space.  Narowing the space can pinch the artery, vein, nerve or all of the above.  Also, a rare, abnormal cervical rib can cause the same problems.

Question 3

can thoracic outlet syndrome be cured?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes: Yes, usully with surgery in severe symptomatic cases.

Question 4

is thoracic outlet syndrome permanent?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily.: Assuming that is correct diagnosis, this can commonly be helped with physical therapy. There may be necessity to consider surgical intervention for refractory symptoms, yet that surgery is commonly successful. This is a difficult diagnosis, to come to, so I would make sure you are comfortable with how you came to this diagnosis, and if not consider another opinion.

Question 5

how common is thoracic outlet syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Not very common: Three manisfestations:

1. Pinching of the artery leading to the arm and hand (most common)
2. Pinching of the vein leading to the arm and hand, resulting in swelling (next common)
3. Pinching of the nerve resulting in various types of pain (not very common).

Question 6

what is thoracic outlet syndrome release?

Accepted Answer

Surgery: Thoracic outlet surgery is done to remove pressure or compression of the nerve, artery, and vein going to the arm. This involves removing the first rib, and releasing any scar tissue present. This results in significant reduction in symptoms in most cases.

Question 7

how can i treat thoracic outlet syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Thoracic outlet: Physiotherapy initially
surgery if symptoms continue.

Question 8

what are the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Pain, numbness: Thoracic outlet syndrome can affect the vein, artery or nerves of the arms. Symptoms can include swelling of the arms, (vein compression) pain or numbness when using the arms overhead, or pain that can extend from the neck or shoulder down to the hands or fingers. Most symptoms are aggravated by doing things that narrow the space where vein, atery and nerve travelling to the arm are.

Question 9

anyone out there ever treat thoracic outlet syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Thoracic outlet: This is from compression of brachial plexus from first rib first try physical therapy before first rib removal if diagnosis has been confirmed.

Question 10

does thoracic outlet syndrome affect people at any age?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Often a congenital problem, so present from birth. May be missed, sometimes for years, depending on symptoms, so can present at any age.

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