The second most common nerve root involvement occurs in brachial plexus nerves C5, C6, and C7, and symptoms, if these nerves are affected, can be referred to upper back, upper chest, ear, neck, and outer arm that follows a radial nerve distribution.
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.
The lower two nerves (C8 and T1) are most commonly affected in 90% of persons, following the ulnar nerve distribution.
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that originate from the lower cervical and upper thoracic spinal cord. It controls the muscles of the shoulder, arm, and hand, and provides feeling to the upper limb. Damage to the brachial plexus can result in weakness or loss of function in the affected areas.
The first thoracic nerve roots are in the brachial plexus. The nerves pass through the neck, the armpit area, and then into the arm.
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) consists of a group of distinct disorders that affect the nerves in the brachial plexus (nerves that pass into the arms from the neck) and various nerves and blood vessels between the base of the neck and axilla (armpit). For the most part, these disorders have very little in common except the site of occurrence. The disorders are complex, somewhat confusing, and poorly defined, each with various signs and symptoms of the upper limb.
The brachial plexus contains fibers from the ventral rami of the cervical spinal nerves (C5-C8) and the first thoracic spinal nerve (T1). These fibers combine to form the nerves that innervate the upper limb.
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that controls movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm, and hand. It is formed by the combination of nerves from the cervical spine and supplies motor and sensory innervation to the upper limb. Damage to the brachial plexus can result in weakness, numbness, or paralysis in the affected arm.
The Brachial Plexus is the nerve plexus from which supplies the upper limb. Its root supply is C5 to T1. This means that the nerves which make it up leave the spinal chord at all the vertebrae between the 5th Cervical Vertebrae and the 1st Thoracic Vertebrae. Brachial plexus is a radical regrouping of the nerve fibers that are araising from the vental rami of C7 to C8 and additionally from T1. Through this network of nerves the entire upper limb will get its nerve supply.
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.
The thoracic spinal nerves (T1-T12) do not form plexuses like the cervical, brachial, lumbar, and sacral nerves. Instead, each thoracic spinal nerve tends to go directly to the tissues it supplies without forming complex networks.
Brachial plexus compression syndrome can cause symptoms like pain, weakness, and numbness in the arm and hand. Treatment options may include physical therapy, medication, and in severe cases, surgery to relieve the compression on the nerves.
nervous syestem..