Obviously it is harder to diagnose NTOS than vascular. Dynamic doppler ultrasounds are the quickest and least expensive imaging test (also no radiation). The best one I had done imaged my subclavian artery and vein and axillary artery and vein (the one that runs under pec minor) with arms up and down. This was done in both a lying down and sitting position. I also had an MRV and a CT done, but they didn't show anything the ultrasound couldn't pick up. Wish I'd saved myself the time, money, and radiation!

I also had the ultrasound done where they attach probes to the fingertips and had me move my arms above my head and out to the side while sitting up. This was strictly to test arterial compression.

EMGs are notoriously unreliable, unfortunately. From what I've heard from doctors and read on the boards, NTOS is really best diagnosed by symptoms.

As far as clinical tests, I've had strength tests done by both PTs and surgeons (I always fail the "hold your fingers splayed apart and don't let me push them together" test). Most docs have me put my elbows at 90 degrees with forearms up to 180 degrees and turn my head.

Needless to say, I've seen a lot of docs and a lot of PTs. They all rely on my symptamology as a guide in regards to nerve compression. I honestly thing a good PT is the best person to discuss where the compression is. Mine can tell me if it is coming from my rib/scalene area, scar tissue area, or pec minor depending on what she does.