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Psychosocial Factors in NTOS

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Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

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Abstract

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome is a chronic pain syndrome that may take years to be diagnosed. Years of undiagnosed or undertreated chronic pain can lead to anger, confusion, frustration, depression, family strains, and financial difficulties. This may lead to social isolation, loss of social support, and loss of employment.

This chapter discusses the importance of incorporating psychosocial factors into treatment plans for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. Psychosocial factors affect a patient’s response to pain and treatment outcomes. Adequate social supports, treatment of depression, patient educational level, financial means, and encouraging return to work may improve patient’s treatment course.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, 670, 14642, Rochester, NY, USA

    Michelle M. Dugan MSN, FNP-BC

Authors
  1. Michelle M. Dugan MSN, FNP-BC
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michelle M. Dugan MSN, FNP-BC .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Division of Vascular Surgery, University of South Florida, Tampa General Circle, STC 7016 2, Tampa, 33606, Florida, USA

    Karl A. Illig

  2. Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Department of Surgery, Washington University, Queeny Tower Campus Box, St. Louis, 63110, Missouri, USA

    Robert W. Thompson

  3. , Department of Surgery, John Hopkins Medical Institutions, Rutland Avenue - Ross 759 729, Baltimore, 21205, Maryland, USA

    Julie Ann Freischlag

  4. , Department of Thoracic Surgery, Blake 15, Massachusetts General Hospital, Fruit Street 55, Boston, 02114, Massachusetts, USA

    Dean M. Donahue

  5. Neurological Associates of West LA, Wilshire Blvd, Suite 790 2811, Santa Monica, 90403, California, USA

    Sheldon E. Jordan

  6. , Graduate Program in Physical Therapy, UCSF/SFSU, Balmoral Street 2429, Union City, 94587, California, USA

    Peter I. Edgelow

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© 2013 Springer-Verlag London

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Dugan, M.M. (2013). Psychosocial Factors in NTOS. In: Illig, K., Thompson, R., Freischlag, J., Donahue, D., Jordan, S., Edgelow, P. (eds) Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4366-6_37

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4366-6_37

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-4365-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-4366-6

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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