Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Alternate Names : True Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Disputed Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Arterial Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome includes those disorders that result in
compression of nerves or blood vessels supplying the arms.
What is going on in the body?
The thoracic outlet is the area
of the body between the collarbone and the rib cage. Veins, nerves, and
arteries come through this opening. When the blood vessels or nerves are
compressed or squeezed, the pressure causes the symptoms of thoracic outlet
syndrome.
What are the causes and risks of the disease?
Causes of
thoracic outlet may include:
injury to the area of the collarbone or upper ribs
spinal problems, such as a herniated disk that may compress the nerves
bony protrusions on the spinal column near the thoracic outlet
an extra rib or other abnormality present at birth
pregnancy
repetitive stress injury from activities that may compress the nerves, arteries, or veins
Sometimes a cause cannot be identified.
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