| Disease | Injury | Nutrition | Poison |
| Special Topic | Surgery | Symptoms | Test |
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| Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention |
Thoracic outlet syndrome |
| Definition: |
| Thoracic outlet syndrome is a condition characterized by pain in the neck and shoulder, numbness/tingling of the fingers, and weakening of the grip.
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| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: |
Thoracic outlet syndrome is a rare condition caused by compression of blood vessels and nerves in the area of the clavicle (collar bone). This compression is caused by the presence of an extra cervical rib (above the first rib) or an abnormal tight fibrous band connecting the spinal vertebra to the rib. People with long necks and droopy shoulders may be predisposed to develop this condition because of extra pressure on their nerves and blood vessels. |
Reviewed By: Elaine T. Kiriakopoulos, M.D., MSc, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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