Thoracic Outlet Compression Syndrome is a painful, sometimes debilitating illness that is often misdiagnosed. The thoracic outlet is an area within the shoulder and neck where nerves and blood vessels come together before continuing on to other various parts of the body. In cases of Thoracic Outlet Compression Syndrome, the nerves and vessels become compressed or irritated causing pain, weakness, and a host of other symptoms.
Thoracic Outlet Compression Syndrome Symptoms
Since Thoracic Outlet Compression Syndrome is very hard to detect and shares like symptoms with many other diseases and disorders, it is often misdiagnosed. Some of the most common misdiagnoses include bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, brachial plexus syndrome, and rotator cuff syndrome.
The symptoms associated with Thoracic Outlet Compression Syndrome vary from patient to patient. Symptoms may also vary in severity depending on how complete or partial the compression is. Here are just a few of the signs that can be present in patients with Thoracic Outlet Compression Syndrome: