Thoracic outlet syndrome is most common in women who are 35 to 55 years of age.

Thoracic outlet syndrome is due to a compression of nerves or arteries at the brachial plexus, and carpal tunnel syndrome is due to nerve compression at the wrist.

Tinel's test is used to assist in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, not thoracic outlet syndrome. It is performed by tapping the median nerve along its course in the wrist. The test is positive when it causes tingling or pain in the thumb, index finger and middle finger.

Neurogenic TOS is thoracic outlet syndrome caused by a nerve disorder.

Neurologic TOS requires outpatient referral and conservative outpatient physiotherapy. Vascular thoracic outlet syndrome requires more urgent care that typically includes immediate heparinization, vascular surgery consultation, color flow.