Neurologic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Follow-up

Updated: May 08, 2019
  • Author: Joy Chan, MD; Chief Editor: Robert A Egan, MD  more...
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Follow-up

Further Outpatient Care

Patients with TOS generally are treated on an outpatient basis and require a variety of health care professionals to manage their condition optimally. Please refer to the Treatment section for a discussion of proper rehabilitation methods and other treatment options.

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Further Inpatient Care

Hospitalization usually is not required for patients with TOS, but this decision depends on the invasiveness of the treatment choice for pain control and the severity of the patient's condition. Sometimes, a short hospitalization is necessary for individuals who require a continuous nerve block. Patients with TOS may have associated conditions that may be amenable to surgery and require further inpatient care.

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Prognosis

See the list below:

  • Neurogenic TOS usually requires chronic pain management.

  • Vascular-type TOS may have better outcome with appropriate management.

  • Patients with profound intrinsic muscle atrophy do not regain their function. Appropriate surgery may arrest the progressive deterioration.

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Patient Education

See the list below:

  • Instruct the patient on the following:

    • Good posture

    • Job modification

    • Exercise programs

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