Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: The Rare Condition That Affects Blood Vessels and Nerves in the Upper Body

Ms. Mien, a 48-year-old woman, experienced numbness in her right fingers and occasional coldness in her right hand. After visiting the doctor, she was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), a rare condition that occurs when blood vessels or nerves running from the upper body to the arms are compressed by surrounding structures.

Dr. Phan Vu Hong Hai explained that TOS can be divided into three types: neurogenic TOS, venous TOS, and arterial TOS. In Ms. Mien’s case, she had a combination of these mechanisms, with severe stenosis of the right subclavian artery root and veins.

To treat this condition, Dr. Nguyen Anh Dung performed a surgical procedure to widen the thoracic outlet and relieve the compression of the blood vessels and nerves. After the surgery, Ms. Mien experienced complete relief from her hand numbness and was able to resume normal activities without any discomfort or pain.

It is important for people at risk of developing TOS to take preventive measures such as maintaining good posture, avoiding repetitive movements or heavy lifting tasks, and practicing regular exercise to strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles. Physical therapy can also help alleviate symptoms by improving circulation and reducing inflammation in the affected area.

In some cases where surgery is necessary for treatment, patients may experience temporary side effects such as pain or swelling in the affected area. However, these symptoms typically subside within a few days after surgery.

Overall, TOS is a rare but treatable condition that can significantly improve quality of life for those affected by it. It is important for individuals to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms associated with TOS and follow preventive measures to reduce their risk of developing it in the future.

In summary, Ms. Mien’s experience with thoracic outlet syndrome highlights the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment for this rare condition that affects blood vessels and nerves running from the upper body to the arms due to compression by surrounding structures leading to various symptoms such as numbness