I have been struggling for a concrete diagnosis of having TOS or not. To date I have had primarily bilateral nerve symptoms including numbness and neuropathy. I don't have any loss of strength or pain of significance which seems to be a hallmark symptom common with the syndrome. Occasional burning in the forearms but that is very infrequent.

I have seen specialist after specialist with one or two suspecting TOS but others suggesting I don't have it. The diagnostic tests are usually negative and I can do the Roos test with no real symptoms of any kind. Adsons and other tests showed little change in pulse.

I have had a c-spine MRI which was normal and NCV and EMG which were relatively benign and revealed nothing. Lately my neuropathy is spreading where even small movements of my arm are causing electric sensations throughout - not overhead or outstretched. I am going to go back to a neurologist for more testing as this seems atypical.

Very scared and tearful, panicked beyond words.

I think one of the problems is they don't want to dx a case that does not show as moderate to high pain, or has the come and go symptoms..

Much safer and less trouble for drs to only dx the fairly obvious cases with continuous symptoms & moderately high pain levels.

sometimes getting an actual dx might not be a good thing.

I am just worried it's something else and the crawling and electric like sensations in both arms seem unlike tos. They seem more like a disc issue? But my MRI was normal ...

Have you also had full blood work up?
Thyroid imbalances can sometimes play a part in symptoms.

Have you seen the TOS testing thread ?
It gives a good overview of many of the tests that can be used if needed.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/post580952-11.html

I had quite a bit of buzzing and weird feelings inside my forearm muscles for a few months.


Are symptoms only in your arms , or do you have some neck tightness/stiffness along with the arm sensations?
Any fine/detail finger coordination losses?

Nerve compression can occur anywhere along the path of the muscle where the brachial plexus is covered by muscle. In addition, the myelin sheath may become "sticky" due to irritation. This website explains it better than I can:
http://intraspec.ca/PIIS0749071203000908.pdf

Surgery or injections of any kind should always be considered an act of desperation. First try trigger point therapy of the scalenes (3 on each side) and both pectoralis minor. There's a lot of stuff in the axilla (the brachial plexus, lymph nodes, blood vessels), so any work in this area must be careful. But the corachobrachialis can entrap the nerves deep in the armpit.
But do try the nerve gliding stretches which can release adhesions within the nerve sheath which will make movement of the nerve easier.

Have seen the testing thread and googled every possible article on TOS. In some ways I know more about it than a lot of the doctors I visit. :-( they did the blood panel first when all of this first started.

Haven't lost any strength or precision in fine movements yet. Hoping that is not in the cards. Worried about permanent nerve damage but unsure what to really pursue next. So exhausted. I have seen numerous doctors. 3 neurologists. PT for 20 sessions. Ortho. Chiro. Just beyond scared and frustrated.

I'm only 33 and am realizing that my life is likely forever altered or diminished because of this. Newly married and I am having a difficult time wrapping my brain around the fact I am headed for a lifetime of pain or multiple surgeries for recurrent symptoms. Not sure how I will work or maintain any sort of independence.

Seems the realistic outcome of surgery is less than 30% - don't really like those odds. I'm so desperate for any sort of help.

Disc issues are rarer than you might think. Disc issues shout that something is wrong; to date your symptoms are a whisper, correct? The vertebral column is very well designed. It permits trunk extension, flexion, rotation. The vast majority of nerve problems occur outside the protection of the vertebral column. By necessity nerves must intermingle with muscles and their fascial coverings.

Your symptoms so far are light, and may never get worse. The mild compression of the brachial plexus you are suffering from is most likely caused by trigger points in scalenes, pec minor--anywhere along the path from C5/ T1 to the tips of your fingers. Before even considering other more drastic treatments you might visit a massage therapist trained in NMT and MFR. Excessive stretching may exacerbate irritation of the nerve sheaths.

TOS may not be the cause; it could be irritation in the carpal tunnel.

I think we've all at one time or another experienced mild nerve compression; whatever the cause, the body usually heals itself if not interfered with too much. Keep in mind that if we push our doctors, for your peace of mind they might prescribe against their own best judgment. IOW, trust your doctor till he gives you reason not to.

I have almost the same symptoms as you, i also have bilateral nerve symptoms-tingling, burning, electrical shock like pain and muscle twitching.

I do not have any loss of strength, and no range of motion problems either.
Tests:
Blood tests: Negative
MRI C-spine= Negative
Tinell's test= Negative
X-ray elbow= Negative
Adson = Positive
First Nerve conduction test= Negative (Done by unexperienced doctor)
Second Nerve conduction test = Positive, brachial plexus compression bilat.
(Done by a guy with 50 years of experience doing these tests)

just wanted to tell you, that you are not alone: I have the same symptoms.

"Very scared and tearful, panicked beyond words" Describes my state of mind aswell.



Hang in there.

So what's the conservative (non-surgical) solution to brachial plexus compression?