How do you diagnose TOS?
To confirm the diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome, your doctor may order one or more of the following tests:
- X-ray.
- Ultrasound.
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Angiography.
- Arteriography and venography.
- Electromyography (EMG).
- Nerve conduction study.
Can an orthopedic diagnose thoracic outlet syndrome?
Diagnosis and treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) involves neurologists, physiatrists, family physicians, orthopedic surgeons, vascular surgeons, thoracic surgeons, neurosurgeons and sometimes psychiatrists.
Can a neurologist diagnose thoracic outlet syndrome?
Your doctor may recommend a thorough evaluation by a skilled neurologist to rule out cervical spine disease and other neurological conditions with similar symptoms. Additional tests that help diagnose thoracic outlet syndrome include: nerve conduction studies to evaluate the function of the motor and sensory nerves.
What doctors can diagnose thoracic outlet syndrome?
Making a proper diagnosis is the most important step in TOS. Doctors who treat this condition include vascular surgeons, chest (thoracic) surgeons and vascular medicine physicians. To diagnose your condition, your doctor will perform a complete physical exam and will review the results of previous diagnostic tests.
What conditions mimic thoracic outlet syndrome?
Making the diagnosis of a thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) can be hard because several disorders cause similar signs and symptoms. These may include rotator cuff injuries, cervical disc disorders, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, complex regional pain syndrome, and tumors of the syrinx or spinal cord.
What aggravates thoracic outlet syndrome?
Common causes of thoracic outlet syndrome include physical trauma from a car accident, repetitive injuries from job- or sports-related activities, certain anatomical defects (such as having an extra rib), and pregnancy. Sometimes doctors can’t determine the cause of thoracic outlet syndrome.
What is Adson’s test for?
Purpose. Adson’s test is a provocative test for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome accompanied by compression of the Subclavian artery by a cervical rib or tightened anterior and middle scalene muscles.
What causes the manifestation seen with thoracic outlet syndrome?
Common causes of thoracic outlet syndrome include physical trauma from a car accident, repetitive injuries from job- or sports-related activities, certain anatomical defects (such as having an extra rib), and pregnancy.
Who diagnoses thoracic outlet syndrome?
Diagnosis and treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) involves neurologists, physiatrists, family physicians, orthopedic surgeons, vascular surgeons, thoracic surgeons, neurosurgeons and sometimes psychiatrists.
What is the prognosis for thoracic outlet syndrome?
About prognosis: The ‘prognosis’ of Thoracic outlet syndrome usually refers to the likely outcome of Thoracic outlet syndrome. The prognosis of Thoracic outlet syndrome may include the duration of Thoracic outlet syndrome, chances of complications of Thoracic outlet syndrome, probable outcomes, prospects for recovery,…
What are the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome?
Symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) Thoracic outlet syndrome may include the following symptoms: Neck, shoulder, and arm pain. Numbness in the arm, hand or fingers. Impaired circulation to the extremities (causing discoloration) Weakness in the shoulders, arm and hands.
What are the exercises for thoracic outlet syndrome?
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Exercises. Scalene stretch: Sit or stand and clasp both hands behind your back. Lower your left shoulder and tilt your head toward the right until you feel a stretch. Hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds and then come back to the starting position.
