Oliver's sign: Difference between revisions
CSV import |
CSV import Tags: mobile edit mobile web edit |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Oliver's sign | |||
| synonyms = | |||
| specialty = [[Endocrinology]], [[Oncology]] | |||
| symptoms = Downward displacement of the [[trachea]] | |||
| causes = [[Aortic aneurysm]], [[Mediastinal mass]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[Imaging studies]] | |||
| differential = [[Tracheal tug]], [[Cardiovascular conditions]] | |||
| treatment = Depends on underlying cause | |||
| prognosis = Varies based on cause | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
'''Oliver's Sign''' is a medical term referring to a clinical sign in which there is a notable decrease or disappearance of the carotid pulse upon raising the patient's arm above their head. This sign is often associated with [[Thoracic Outlet Syndrome]] (TOS), a group of disorders that occur when blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib (thoracic outlet) become compressed. | '''Oliver's Sign''' is a medical term referring to a clinical sign in which there is a notable decrease or disappearance of the carotid pulse upon raising the patient's arm above their head. This sign is often associated with [[Thoracic Outlet Syndrome]] (TOS), a group of disorders that occur when blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib (thoracic outlet) become compressed. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
The primary cause of Oliver's Sign is the compression of the [[Subclavian Artery]], which is located beneath the collarbone. This compression can occur due to a variety of factors, including: | The primary cause of Oliver's Sign is the compression of the [[Subclavian Artery]], which is located beneath the collarbone. This compression can occur due to a variety of factors, including: | ||
* Anatomical defects: Inherited defects such as an extra rib located above the first rib (cervical rib) or an abnormally tight fibrous band connecting your spine to your rib. | * Anatomical defects: Inherited defects such as an extra rib located above the first rib (cervical rib) or an abnormally tight fibrous band connecting your spine to your rib. | ||
* Poor posture: Drooping your shoulders or holding your head in a forward position can compress the thoracic outlet. | * Poor posture: Drooping your shoulders or holding your head in a forward position can compress the thoracic outlet. | ||
* Trauma: A traumatic event, such as a car accident, can cause internal changes that then compress the nerves in the thoracic outlet. The onset of symptoms related to nerve compression may be delayed. | * Trauma: A traumatic event, such as a car accident, can cause internal changes that then compress the nerves in the thoracic outlet. The onset of symptoms related to nerve compression may be delayed. | ||
* Repetitive activity: Doing the same thing repeatedly can, over time, wear on your body's tissues. | * Repetitive activity: Doing the same thing repeatedly can, over time, wear on your body's tissues. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The symptoms of Oliver's Sign can vary depending on which nerves or blood vessels are compressed. When nerves are compressed, neurological thoracic outlet syndrome can occur, with symptoms such as: | The symptoms of Oliver's Sign can vary depending on which nerves or blood vessels are compressed. When nerves are compressed, neurological thoracic outlet syndrome can occur, with symptoms such as: | ||
* Muscle wasting in the fleshy base of your thumb (Gilliatt-Sumner hand) | * Muscle wasting in the fleshy base of your thumb (Gilliatt-Sumner hand) | ||
* Numbness or tingling in your arm or fingers | * Numbness or tingling in your arm or fingers | ||
* Pain or aches in your neck, shoulder or hand | * Pain or aches in your neck, shoulder or hand | ||
* Weakening grip | * Weakening grip | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of Oliver's Sign and the associated Thoracic Outlet Syndrome can be challenging due to the overlap of symptoms with other conditions. Doctors may use a variety of tests, including: | Diagnosis of Oliver's Sign and the associated Thoracic Outlet Syndrome can be challenging due to the overlap of symptoms with other conditions. Doctors may use a variety of tests, including: | ||
* [[Physical examination]] | * [[Physical examination]] | ||
* [[X-ray]] | * [[X-ray]] | ||
| Line 29: | Line 33: | ||
* [[Nerve conduction study]] | * [[Nerve conduction study]] | ||
* [[Electromyography (EMG)]] | * [[Electromyography (EMG)]] | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for Oliver's Sign and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome can range from physical therapy to surgery, depending on the severity and cause of the symptoms. Treatment options include: | Treatment for Oliver's Sign and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome can range from physical therapy to surgery, depending on the severity and cause of the symptoms. Treatment options include: | ||
* [[Physical therapy]] | * [[Physical therapy]] | ||
* [[Medications]] | * [[Medications]] | ||
* [[Surgical procedures]] | * [[Surgical procedures]] | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Thoracic Outlet Syndrome]] | * [[Thoracic Outlet Syndrome]] | ||
* [[Subclavian Artery]] | * [[Subclavian Artery]] | ||
| Line 48: | Line 47: | ||
* [[Nerve conduction study]] | * [[Nerve conduction study]] | ||
* [[Electromyography (EMG)]] | * [[Electromyography (EMG)]] | ||
[[Category:Medical Signs]] | [[Category:Medical Signs]] | ||
[[Category:Cardiology]] | [[Category:Cardiology]] | ||
| Line 54: | Line 52: | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
{{No image}} | {{No image}} | ||
Latest revision as of 05:12, 4 April 2025
| Oliver's sign | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | Endocrinology, Oncology |
| Symptoms | Downward displacement of the trachea |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | N/A |
| Duration | N/A |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Aortic aneurysm, Mediastinal mass |
| Risks | N/A |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, Imaging studies |
| Differential diagnosis | Tracheal tug, Cardiovascular conditions |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Depends on underlying cause |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Varies based on cause |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Oliver's Sign is a medical term referring to a clinical sign in which there is a notable decrease or disappearance of the carotid pulse upon raising the patient's arm above their head. This sign is often associated with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS), a group of disorders that occur when blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib (thoracic outlet) become compressed.
Causes[edit]
The primary cause of Oliver's Sign is the compression of the Subclavian Artery, which is located beneath the collarbone. This compression can occur due to a variety of factors, including:
- Anatomical defects: Inherited defects such as an extra rib located above the first rib (cervical rib) or an abnormally tight fibrous band connecting your spine to your rib.
- Poor posture: Drooping your shoulders or holding your head in a forward position can compress the thoracic outlet.
- Trauma: A traumatic event, such as a car accident, can cause internal changes that then compress the nerves in the thoracic outlet. The onset of symptoms related to nerve compression may be delayed.
- Repetitive activity: Doing the same thing repeatedly can, over time, wear on your body's tissues.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of Oliver's Sign can vary depending on which nerves or blood vessels are compressed. When nerves are compressed, neurological thoracic outlet syndrome can occur, with symptoms such as:
- Muscle wasting in the fleshy base of your thumb (Gilliatt-Sumner hand)
- Numbness or tingling in your arm or fingers
- Pain or aches in your neck, shoulder or hand
- Weakening grip
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of Oliver's Sign and the associated Thoracic Outlet Syndrome can be challenging due to the overlap of symptoms with other conditions. Doctors may use a variety of tests, including:
- Physical examination
- X-ray
- Computed Tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Nerve conduction study
- Electromyography (EMG)
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for Oliver's Sign and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome can range from physical therapy to surgery, depending on the severity and cause of the symptoms. Treatment options include:


