brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Thoracic Outlet Syndromes (TOS)
Diagnosis of Thoracic Outlet Syndromes
A doctor's evaluation Usually nerve conduction studies and electromyography Usually magnetic resonance imaging X-ray of the neck Sometimes angiography Doctors base the diagnosis of a thoracic outlet syndrome on symptoms and results of a physical examination and several diagnostic tests. However, none of these tests can definitively confirm or rule out the diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome. The following tests are usually done: Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Studies may detect abnormalities characteristic of thoracic outlet syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is done to look for anatomic abnormalities. Through a stethoscope placed on the collar bone or near the top of the armpit, doctors may hear sounds indicating abnormal blood flow (bruits) in an artery that is being squeezed by nearby structures. Or doctors may take an x-ray of the neck to look for an extra rib in the part of the spine that runs through the neck. Angiography of the arteries in the arm (brachial arteries) may be done to detect abnormal blood flow. In this test, x-rays are taken after a substance that is visible on x-rays (radiopaque contrast agent) is injected into the bloodstream. 