Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a serious and often disabling condition which occurs most frequently after motor vehicle accidents with neck injury, or in people who use computers extensively, as is seen in our modern workplace. TOS results from compression of the brachial plexus, the large cluster of nerves that passes from the neck to the arms. Patients with TOS have signs and symptoms that arise from the head, neck, upper chest, shoulder, arms, and hands, including pain, weakness, limited range of motion, swelling, color and temperature changes, and abnormal sensation. Because patients with TOS have such a complex clinical presentation, it is often very difficult for their physician to diagnose TOS on physical examination alone. Until recently, there has not been an accurate and reproducible diagnostic test to confirm a physician's clinical suspicion of TOS. This lack of a diagnostic test has often led to a delay in diagnosis of TOS, or to a failure to diagnose TOS.
It is widely accepted that early recognition of nerve compression disorders is critical for effective treatment and optimal outcome in these patients. Unrecognized nerve compression can lead to permanent nerve damage, and the loss of full use of an extremity. In all patients with neck, shoulder, or arm pain, particularly with a history of motor vehicle accident or extensive computer use, the diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome should be strongly considered. |
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Neo Vista
What is Neo Vista?
Neo Vista MRI is a complex set of MRI protocols that accurately and
reproducibly demonstrates the compression of the nerves between the bones of the upper chest, as well as the anatomic variations in the muscles of the lower neck that contribute to the existence of TOS. Neo Vista was developed by Dr. Scott Werden, who has spent the last several years researching and refining this patent-pending MRI technique for the evaluation of patients with thoracic outlet syndrome. With almost 500 Neo Vista studies completed to date, he possesses one of the largest TOS patient databases. As the consulting radiologist on every Neo Vista case, he is easily accessible for questions from physicians and patients. For more information, please go to the Neo Vista webpage.
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