Compression of the nerves and blood vessels between the muscles of the neck and shoulder or between the first rib and clavicle. Burning, tingling, and numbness along arm, hand, and fingers. Associated with repeated reaching above shoulder level. Symptoms caused by compression of the nerves in the brachial plexus (nerves that pass into the arms from the neck) or blood vessels. Thoracic outlet syndrome can be caused by compression of the nerve by an extra rib, scar tissue from healing from an accident, or repetitive motion with the arms held overhead or extended forward. Patients may have pain in the shoulder, arm, or hand, or in all three locations. The hand pain is often most severe in the fourth and fifth fingers. The pain is aggravated by the use of the arm, and "fatigue" of the arm is often prominent.
TOS. Compression of the neurovascular bundle in the shoulder, collarbone and neck (usually irritation of nerves within the bundle). The compression may cause decreased or abnormal blood flow into the arms, often associated with certain overhead positions of the arms. Symptoms include paresthesia, numbness, pain in the arm and hand, and weakness in the hand.
Compression of the neurovascular bundle, comprising the brachial plexus and the subclavian artery, will produce a mix of symptoms, ranging from pain in the shoulder and arm, to neurological and vascular symptoms. The compression usually occurs in the thoracic outlet of the neck. Pain and parasthesiae are most commonly experienced on the ulnar side of the arm. Three syndromes have been identified: the costoclavicular syndrome (most common) which is characterised by a decreased space between the clavicle and the first rib; the cervical rib syndrome which is characterised by the presence of either a rib emanating from the C7 or a fibrous band passing from C7 to the first rib. Cervical ribs occur in approximately 1% of the population; and the anterior scalene syndrome (very rare) whereby the neurovascular bundle is compressed between the scalenus anterior and the scalenus medius muscles. Some tests are available to attempt to diagnose this condition, but they often provide false positives during the procedure.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) consists of a group of distinct disorders that affect the nerves in the brachial plexus (nerves that pass into the arms from the neck) and various nerves and blood vessels between the base of the neck and axilla (armpit). See article: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
Compression of nerve and blood vessels between arm and neck, causing numbness and weakness of fingers, hand or arm.
A condition where the space for the nerves from the neck to the arm do not have enough room and are pinched, this syndrome is often caused by an extra rib or an abnormally placed muscle. This is a rare syndrome and may be diagnosed by Adson's test and an EMG.
A condition that causes pain, tingling and numbness in the arms.
A condition in which the blood vessels and nerves of the upper extremity may be compressed at the outlet from the thoracic cavity resulting in symptoms such as pain, paraesthesia, cyanosis, coldness and/or Raynaud's Phenomenon.
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) consists of a group of distinct disorders that affect the nerves in the brachial plexus (nerves that pass into the arms from the neck) and various nerves and blood vessels between the base of the neck and axilla (armpit). For the most part, these disorders are produced by positional compression of the subclavian artery and vein, the vertebral artery, and the nerve cords of the brachial plexus. The disorders are complex, somewhat confusing, and poorly defined, each with various signs and symptoms not only arising from the upper extremity but also from the chest, neck and head.