3. How does a doctor diagnose thoracic outlet syndrome?
As stated above, it can be difficult to diagnosis thoracic outlet syndrome, because the symptoms can look like other medical conditions. Doctors may conduct a thorough physical examination of the patient, review medical records, perform nerve conduction studies and other imaging tests like MRIs and x-rays, and may perform diagnostic injections. Once diagnosed, treatment for thoracic outlet can range from physical therapy all the way to surgery. The folks at The Mayo Clinic have some great information on this topic: Thoracic outlet syndrome - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic
4. How does the diagnosis of thoracic outlet affect my legal case?
If you are a victim of a car crash and have a diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome, it is possible that the insurance company for the responsible driver will question the diagnosis. This is because thoracic outlet syndrome is a somewhat controversial diagnosis after a car crash. It is important that you get into the hands of the right medical professionals who can diagnosis and treat your thoracic outlet syndrome, as well as provide legal testimony in court. In thoracic outlet cases, it is very frequent that the defense hires their own doctor to dispute your doctor’s diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome. Therefore, make sure you get into the hands of an attorney that understands thoracic outlet syndrome and can help you prove your case and defeat any defense objection to the diagnosis.
In conclusion, thoracic outlet syndrome can significantly impact the lives of accident victims. The condition is painful and is very difficult to diagnosis, so injured people often get bounced around from doctor to doctor before they get a diagnosis of the condition. By understanding a little bit about thoracic outlet syndrome, individuals can take the steps needed to improve their quality of life.