How serious is venous thoracic outlet syndrome?

How serious is venous thoracic outlet syndrome?

Is thoracic outlet syndrome serious? Although many cases of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) can’t be prevented, the condition is treatable. If left untreated, TOS can cause complications, such as: Permanent arm swelling and pain (especially in patients with venous TOS)

What fingers are affected by thoracic outlet syndrome?

What are the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome? When the brachial plexus nerves are compressed, you may experience numbness and tingling on the inner arm, pinky finger, or pinky side of your ring finger. If left untreated, the compression can create weakness or paralysis of the muscles moving the thumb and fingers.

Can thoracic outlet syndrome affect legs?

Symptoms of Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome In this case, the clots are formed as the result of overhead motions (efforts) that compress the vein. Deep vein thrombosis is more common in the legs.

What are the 3 types of TOS?

TOS can be subdivided into three separate conditions caused by compression of a group of nerves or artery:

• Arterial TOS (compression of the axillary-subclavian artery)
• Neurogenic TOS (compression of the brachial plexus nerves)
• Venous TOS (compression of the axillary-subclavian vein)

How do you sleep with tos?

Avoid carrying a bag or backpack on the affected side. Change sleeping positions. Try sleeping on one side, or sleep without a firm pillow. If symptoms are caused from overdeveloped neck mus- cles, reduce exercises that build the neck muscles.

Is TOS worse at night?

With more pressure from activity during the day, the sensations become worse at night. Sometimes these sensations can be provoked by a thorough physical examination.

How debilitating is thoracic outlet syndrome?

Pain, numbness and tingling in the hands or arms can be debilitating. These symptoms can make it difficult or impossible for a person to work or carry out normal daily activities.

What are the symptoms of venous thoracic outlet syndrome?

Venous TOS is characterized by subclavian vein compression between the clavicle and first rib. Most patients with venous TOS experience one or more of the following symptoms: Abrupt spontaneous swelling of the entire arm Cyanotic (bluish) discoloration of the arm

Where is the Washington University Center for thoracic outlet syndrome?

In a recent study, the Washington University Center for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome at Barnes-Jewish Hospital analyzed data from 90 patients who underwent reoperation by Washington University vascular surgeons at the Center for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome for recurrent NTOS after previous operations at other institutions.

What causes numbness and pain in the thoracic outlet?

Thoracic outlet. Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of disorders that occur when blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib (thoracic outlet) are compressed. This can cause pain in your shoulders and neck and numbness in your fingers. Common causes of thoracic outlet syndrome include physical trauma…

Can a whiplash injury cause thoracic outlet syndrome?

The following events may cause thoracic outlet syndrome, especially in people with the above bone or muscle abnormalities in the neck: Whiplash: Arm and hand symptoms that persist long after a whiplash injury may be a sign of thoracic outlet syndrome.