Closed petition Improve the treatment and diagnosis of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome on the NHS.

Closed on 12 March 2019

TOS is a condition in which the flow of blood or nerves are restricted to one or both arms. Despite the fact it creates debilitating and disabling symptoms, at present the current understanding and treatment on the NHS is very poor, often taking several years to even diagnose, if at all.

It can cause a range of symptoms including the pulse completely dropping from the limb as soon as it is raised, to extreme weakness and pain in the affected side. In rare cases it can even lead to blood clots and strokes.

I have personally been experiencing symptoms for 3 years, having initially been told by a doctor I was "imagining" my symptoms, which is a very common, devastating reaction faced by sufferers. The condition is serious and often requires the removal of a rib to treat.