Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Symptoms

Author
By james
Reviewed
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Article Sources Article Sources
Medical Expert Medical Expert

The thoracic outlet is a part of the body that is located between your top rib and your collar bone. It is through here that you will find a number of blood vessels and nerves flowing through, in addition to muscle. There is usually plenty of space for everything to pass through, but this is not always the case.

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a condition in which space is limited in the thoracic outlet. This can cause the nerves and/or the blood vessels to become squeezed. This can, in turn, lead to a restriction of the flow of blood, and the pinching of the nerves can also lead to various symptoms.

1. Gilliatt-Sumner Hand

Take a look at your hand and you will see that there is plenty of flesh at the base of your thumb. This is made up largely of the muscle that allows us to move our thumb, helping us to wrap our hands around objects so that we can get a tight grip. In instances of thoracic outlet syndrome, this muscle can waste away in a condition known as Gilliatt- Sumner hand. This will become quite visible as the muscle disappears and the skin gets closer to the bone underneath. This is a symptom of neurological thoracic outlet syndrome specifically.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Home | Privacy Policy | Editorial | Unsubscribe | | About Us

This site offers information designed for entertainment & educational purposes only. With any health related topic discussed on this site you should not rely on any information on this site as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or as a substitute for, professional counseling care, advice, treatment, or diagnosis. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional.