Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Health Video

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of disorders that affect the nerves in the brachial plexus, the nerves entering the arms from the neck. Get tips and advice on health and medical issues in this wellness video.

Take Action

Physical therapy
See doctor
Surgery may be needed

About this Author

Dr. Ali Azizzadeh Fard, M.D. is currently affiliated with Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center and Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital. He specializes in Vascular Surgery. Dr. Azizzadeh's areas of interest include Aortic Aneurysm Surgery, Arterial Angioplasty, Arterial Stenting, Carotid Artery Stenting, Carotid Endarterectomies, Dialysis, Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair (EVAR), Thoracic Outlet Decompression.

DR. ALI AZZIZADEH: Today, I'm here to tell you about thoracic outlet syndrome. The thoracic outlet is an anatomical area between the collar bone and the first rib. There are a number of structures that pass through this area to go down the arm. These include the nerves as well as the blood vessels. There are also muscles that are connected from the first rib to the cervical spine. Because of the number of structures that are in this area or because of previous trauma such as injury or inflammation or anatomical variations, any of these structures can become compressed. This compression is called thoracic outlet syndrome. Most patients who have this syndrome complain of tingling or numbness in their hands. Usually these symptoms are worsened or exacerbated when they elevate their arms, and this can be talking on the telephone or brushing and combing your hair. For patients who have involvement of the nerve, usually physical therapy is helpful. If the physical therapy is not helpful, the patients can be offered surgery. Surgery consists of a small 1 1/2-inch incision above the collar bone where the first rib as well as the muscles that connect to the first rib, called the scalene muscles, can be taken out. This decompresses all the blood vessels and nerves that are passing through this area. Usually surgery helps most of the patients. If you're concerned that you may have thoracic outlet syndrome, see a specialist in your area.