Oliver's sign

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 | edit source]

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 | edit source]

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 | edit source]

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:

Treatment[edit | edit source]

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:

See Also[edit | edit source]

Oliver's sign Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.