Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
A condition that is a result of the compression of blood vessels and nerves in your arm.
Symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Patients may feel pain, numbness, and tingling in your neck, arm or hand. Generally the pain gets worse with repeated overhead motion and lifting your arms. Additional symptoms include swelling, blue discoloration, fatigue, and sores that do not heal well.
Diagnosis
Your Vascular Surgeon will perform a thorough history and physical examination as well as performing several tests including: CT scan, MRI scan, Arteriography or venogram, stress maneuver testing or an anesthetic block injection to temporarily improve symptoms.
Causes
Compression of nerves, subclavian artery or subclavian vein, the side of the throat and upper chest. Other causes include: Injury or compression to the vein leading to a narrowing of the vessel and eventually the formation of a blood clot.
Treatment
Generally treated by a combination of medical treatments as well as physical therapy.
physical therapy and injections for muscle relief to resolve symptoms. When symptoms persist a thoracic outlet decompression surgery.
Thoracic outlet decompression surgery is suggested depending on the damage to the artery if the damage is too great then a arterial bypass may be considered as part of this surgery.
Thoracic outlet decompression surgery and thrombolytic therapy. Patients may also benefit from angioplasty, bypass surgery, or vein reconstruction.