brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Thoracic Outlet Syndromes (TOS)
Symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndromes
If pressure is put on the nerves, thoracic outlet syndrome causes pain and pins-and-needles sensations that usually begin in the neck or shoulder, then spread along the inner surface of the arm into the hand. If pressure is put on one of the subclavian arteries (located under the collarbone), blood flow to the arm is decreased, and it becomes pale and cool. If pressure is put on the veins, the hand, arm, and shoulder on the affected side may swell, or the overlying skin may look bluish (a condition called cyanosis) because blood flow is impaired. Rarely, the pressure is severe enough to cause Raynaud Syndrome , in which the fingers become pale or blue and often numb when exposed to cold. 