Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information): Difference between revisions
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'''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Thoracic outlet syndrome|here]]''' | '''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Thoracic outlet syndrome|here]]''' | ||
{{ | {{Thoracic outlet syndrome (patient information)}} | ||
'''Editor-in-Chief:''' Alexandra M. Palmer | {{CMG}}; '''Assistant Editor(s)-in-Chief:''' Alexandra M. Palmer | ||
==Overview== | |||
== | |||
[[Thoracic outlet syndrome]] is a combination of [[pain]] in the [[neck]] and [[shoulder]], [[numbness]] and [[tingling]] of the [[fingers]], and a weak grip. The [[thoracic outlet]] is the area between the [[rib cage]] and [[collar bone]]. | [[Thoracic outlet syndrome]] is a combination of [[pain]] in the [[neck]] and [[shoulder]], [[numbness]] and [[tingling]] of the [[fingers]], and a weak grip. The [[thoracic outlet]] is the area between the [[rib cage]] and [[collar bone]]. | ||
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Compression can be caused by an extra [[cervical rib]] (above the [[first rib]]) or an abnormal tight fibrous band connecting the spinal vertebra to the [[rib]]. Patients often have a history of [[injury]] to the area or overuse of the [[shoulder]]. | Compression can be caused by an extra [[cervical rib]] (above the [[first rib]]) or an abnormal tight fibrous band connecting the spinal vertebra to the [[rib]]. Patients often have a history of [[injury]] to the area or overuse of the [[shoulder]]. | ||
People with long necks and droopy [[shoulders]] may be more likely to develop this [[condition]] because of extra pressure on their [[nerves]] and [[blood vessels]]. | ==Who is at highest risk?== | ||
People with long necks and droopy [[shoulders]] may be more likely to develop this [[condition]] because of extra pressure on their [[nerves]] and [[blood vessels]]. | |||
== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
When you lift something, the arm may appear pale due to pressure on the [[blood vessels]]. Rarely, the arm may be smaller on the side of the symptoms. This is often present since birth (a [[congenital anomaly]]). | When you lift something, the arm may appear pale due to pressure on the [[blood vessels]]. Rarely, the arm may be smaller on the side of the symptoms. This is often present since birth (a [[congenital anomaly]]). | ||
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Your doctor may also suggest other alternatives, including [[angioplasty]]. | Your doctor may also suggest other alternatives, including [[angioplasty]]. | ||
==Where to find medical care for Thoracic outlet syndrome== | ==Where to find medical care for Thoracic outlet syndrome?== | ||
[http://maps.google.com/maps? | [http://maps.google.com/maps?q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|map+top+hospital+Thoracic outlet syndrome}}}}&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl Directions to Hospitals Treating Thoracic outlet syndrome] | ||
==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)== | ==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?== | ||
Having the fibrous band removed may eliminate symptoms if patients are selected carefully. [[Surgery]] can be successful in 50% to 80% of patients. Conservative approaches using [[physical therapy]] are helpful for many patients. | Having the fibrous band removed may eliminate symptoms if patients are selected carefully. [[Surgery]] can be successful in 50% to 80% of patients. Conservative approaches using [[physical therapy]] are helpful for many patients. | ||
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http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001434.htm | http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001434.htm | ||
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[[Category:Patient | [[Cateogry:Cardiology patient information]] | ||
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[[Category:Neurology patient information]] | |||
[[Category:Cardiovascular diseases]] | |||
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Latest revision as of 22:57, 9 December 2011
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
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Thoracic outlet syndrome |
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Thoracic outlet syndrome On the Web |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Thoracic outlet syndrome |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Assistant Editor(s)-in-Chief: Alexandra M. Palmer
Overview
Thoracic outlet syndrome is a combination of pain in the neck and shoulder, numbness and tingling of the fingers, and a weak grip. The thoracic outlet is the area between the rib cage and collar bone.
What are the symptoms of Thoracic outlet syndrome?
Symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome may include:
- Pain, numbness, and tingling in the last three fingers and inner forearm
- Pain and tingling in the neck and shoulders (carrying something heavy may make the pain worse)
- Signs of poor circulation in the hand or forearm
- Weakness of the muscles in the hand
What causes Thoracic outlet syndrome?
Thoracic outlet syndrome is a rare condition.
Blood vessels and nerves coming from the spine or major blood vessels of the body pass through a narrow space near the shoulder and armpit on their way to the arms. As they pass by or through the collarbone (clavicle) and upper ribs, they may not have enough space. Pressure (compression) on these blood vessels or nerves can cause symptoms in the arms or hands. Problems with the nerves account for almost all cases of thoracic outlet syndrome.
Compression can be caused by an extra cervical rib (above the first rib) or an abnormal tight fibrous band connecting the spinal vertebra to the rib. Patients often have a history of injury to the area or overuse of the shoulder.
Who is at highest risk?
People with long necks and droopy shoulders may be more likely to develop this condition because of extra pressure on their nerves and blood vessels.
Diagnosis
When you lift something, the arm may appear pale due to pressure on the blood vessels. Rarely, the arm may be smaller on the side of the symptoms. This is often present since birth (a congenital anomaly).
The diagnosis is typically made after the doctor takes a careful history and performs a physical examination. Sometimes tests are done to confirm the diagnosis, including the following:
Tests should also be performed to make sure there are no other problems, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or a damaged nerve due to problems in the cervical (neck) spine.
Treatment options
Physical therapy helps strengthen the shoulder muscles, improve range of motion, and promote better posture. Treatment may also include pain medication.
Surgery may be recommended if physical therapy and changes in activity do not improve your symptoms. Types of procedures that might be performed include:
- A section of the first rib is removed to release pressure in the area.
- Bypass surgery is done to reroute blood around the compression or remove the area that is causing the symptoms.
Your doctor may also suggest other alternatives, including angioplasty.
Where to find medical care for Thoracic outlet syndrome?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Thoracic outlet syndrome
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Having the fibrous band removed may eliminate symptoms if patients are selected carefully. Surgery can be successful in 50% to 80% of patients. Conservative approaches using physical therapy are helpful for many patients.
Possible complications
Complications can occur with any surgery and relate to the type of procedure and anesthesia used.
Damage to nerves or blood vessels may occur during surgery. This could lead to weakness of the arm muscles, or weakness of the muscles that help control the diaphragm when you breathe.
Sources
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001434.htm
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