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My pulse stops when I use my left arm and turn my head ...

Sent to Health Experts October 23 09:43 AM

My pulse stops when I use my left arm and turn my head left. I have been told I have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Surgery has been scheduled, but I'd like to know if there are any other conditions that could cause these symptoms?

 

Optional Information:
Female , Age: 40

Already Tried:
Physical Therapy, injections of Lidocaine

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $10
Answer
October 23 9:50 AM (6 minutes and 53 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

Hello.

Thank you for your question.

Most interesting.

The blood supply to your upper limb is via the subclavian artery which passes over the first rib through the thoracic outlet.

Your history is consistent with compression of this blood vessel at that site.

Can I assume that you have had angiography to confirm this?

AI



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Scottish DOC -- Doctor (MD) -- 97% Positive Feedback on 1125 Health Accepts
MBchB (commended),FRCA, MRCGP(with merit) I qualified in 1990 and work full-time in family medicine.
Reply
October 23 9:53 AM (3 minutes and 3 seconds later)
         
Reply to Alexander Irvine's Post: I have had so many tests, I am not sure I have had that one. I have seen a Physical Medicine doctor, a hand surgeon-because I also have Carpal Tunnal Syndrome, and have seen a Vascular & Thoracic surgeon. I will be seeing a Neurologist next week.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
October 23 9:56 AM (3 minutes and 8 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

Wow!

 

That is a lot of doctors!

Your history of your pulse disappearing when you turn your head is entirely consistent with the diagnosis you have been given.

Do not worry as surgery for this is entirely reasonable and appropriate.

AI



Thankyou if I have answered your question please click accept. Feedback/Bonus is appreciated.Please feel free to ask if anything is not clear.
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Scottish DOC -- Doctor (MD) -- 97% Positive Feedback on 1125 Health Accepts
MBchB (commended),FRCA, MRCGP(with merit) I qualified in 1990 and work full-time in family medicine.
Reply
October 23 10:04 AM (8 minutes and 29 seconds later)
         
Reply to Alexander Irvine's Post: Thank You. I rather confused but surgery has been scheduled and I just wanted to getanother opinion. Now I have 3 doctors telling me surgery would be possibly good.
Have a great day!
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
October 23 10:09 AM (4 minutes and 14 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

You too!

AI



Thankyou if I have answered your question please click accept. Feedback/Bonus is appreciated.Please feel free to ask if anything is not clear.
Picture
Scottish DOC -- Doctor (MD) -- 97% Positive Feedback on 1125 Health Accepts
MBchB (commended),FRCA, MRCGP(with merit) I qualified in 1990 and work full-time in family medicine.
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