TOS Probles/questions

[ellenc]

I have been DXed with probable TOS after over a year of numbness,tingling and parathesias. Most were in my left arm ( where the TOS due to a bifid rib) is suspected. However, I did also have parathesiasa in my feet. MS, ALS and connective tissue diseases have been ruked out with brain and cervixal mri's,evoked potentials, and extensive bloodwork . Idid have a low b12 and now take bi-weekly shots.  My question- could the rib in my left cervical area be inpinging on nerves that would affect my spine ? Would this account for the tingling in my feet?
I also want to know what danger there might be in leaving the TOS as is, without surgery. I can live with the parathesias if I know that they are benign. Are there any circulatory of heart implications with TOS?

Thank you .

[Launch101]

A related discussion, Thorasic Outlet Syndrome was started.

[Anna]

I have the same problem: TOS on the left side. For the past year, I've noticed that my left hand is ice-cold about 80% of the time while my right hand is normal room temperature. (I also have bilateral carpal tunnel, with objective findings confirmed by nerve conduction studies and EMGs).

I, too, have lower-extremity symptoms, but conditions like MS, myasthenia gravis, etc. have been ruled out. It's not diabetic neuropathy (I'm not diabetic).

When I notice the temperature variations, I look at my posture; often, I'm holding my shoulder in a weird position (e.g., thrust forward or at an angle). Because TOS can come and go, it shows up during some exams & not during others, causing some interesting debates among my drs.

It's disabling, scary & a nuisance, and it has to be almost operable before it'll show up on a scan. Surgery isn't usually done, I was told, because it's too close to the heart.

Despite all this, I'd look at the possibility of cervical nerve root compression or another neck problem as a contributing factor.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Lynette:

Sorry to hear about your paraesthesias.  No, a true TOS would cause a peripheral arm problem and would not impact on your feet.  However, I would caution the diagnosis of TOS.  You do not describe EMG changes or muscle atrophy and without at least one of these being positive, the diagnosis of a neuropathic TOS problem is highly doubtful.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD