Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome as a Cause of Intractable Migraines

Ann Vasc Surg. 2017 Feb:39:285.e5-285.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.avsg.2016.05.109. Epub 2016 Aug 13.

Abstract

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) refers to the compression of the neurovascular bundle within the thoracic outlet. Cases are classified by primary etiology-arterial, neurogenic, or venous. In addition to the typical symptoms of arm swelling and paresthesias, headaches have been reported as a potential symptom of TOS. In this report, we describe a patient with debilitating migraines, which were consistently preceded by unilateral arm swelling. Resolution of symptoms occurred only after thoracic outlet decompression. Patients with migraines and concomitant swelling and/or paresthesias, especially related to provocative arm maneuvers, should be considered a possible atypical presentation of TOS and evaluated in more detail.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation
  • Decompression, Surgical / methods
  • Hemodynamics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Migraine Disorders / diagnosis
  • Migraine Disorders / etiology*
  • Migraine Disorders / physiopathology
  • Phlebography
  • Regional Blood Flow
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome / complications*
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Upper Extremity / blood supply*