A group of conditions that develop when the blood vessels or nerves in the thoracic outlet become compressed (the thoracic outlet is the narrow space between your collarbone and first rib).
This can cause numbness and tingling in fingers, shoulders, arms and neck due to compression of nerves and/or blood vessels in the upper chest this is because blood vessels, nerves, and muscles that extend from the back to the arms pass through this area.
There are three types of TOS depending on which structure is being compressed:
Neurogenic TOS-nerve compression comprises 95% of all TOS patients.
Neurogenic TOS presents with pain, weakness, numbness and tingling in the hand and arm. Additionally, neck pain and headache in the back of the head are common.
Venous TOS-compression of the main vein comprises 4% of all TOS patients
Venous TOS, also known as Paget-Schroetter disease, presents with arm swelling, blue or dark discoloration, and a feeling of fullness or aching in the arm.
Arterial TOS-compression of the main artery comprises less than 1% of all TOS patients
Vascular TOS is a term sometimes used but there is no such entity as vascular TOS. The term refers to TOS due either to compression of an artery or vein (arterial or venous TOS). The appropriate terms, arterial or venous, should be employed and the term vascular discarded.
Arterial TOS presents with coldness, numbness, tingling, pain, and white discoloration in the fingers or whole hand. Cramping of the forearm and hand with activity (claudication) is common. Pain usually involves the hand and arm, but not the neck or shoulder.
(The symptoms can wary whether the nerves or the blood vessels are affected)
Compressed nerves can cause:
Pain in parts of the neck, shoulder, arm, or hand?
Pain may also travel down your forearm towards your wrist?
Pain, numbness, burning and tingling (pins and needles) sensation in one’s hands and fingers (thumb and/or index finger and/or middle finger and/or ring finger and/or small finger)?
Hand and fingers are so weak that you cannot grab, squeeze, or lift items?
Difficult to lift objects above your head?
Compressed blood vessels can cause:
Swelling of the arm?
Redness of the arm?
Hands or arms that feel cold to the touch?
Hands or arms that feel and become easily tired?
Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:
Parsonage-Turner syndrome (Brachial plexus neuritis-is an uncommon neurological disorder characterised by rapid onset of severe pain in the shoulder and arm)
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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