What are the symptoms associated with T4 syndrome?

• A. Lower back pain
• B. Stocking glove distribution
• C. Unilateral headaches
• D. Arm weakness

Answer: (B)

T4 syndrome is characterized by a specific cluster of symptoms that arise due to dysfunction at the thoracic spine level, particularly around the T4 vertebra. The correct choice pertains to the "stocking glove distribution," which refers to a pattern of sensory loss or symptoms that resemble a glove on the hands and a stocking on the feet, often associated with peripheral neuropathy.

In T4 syndrome, patients may present with sensations in the arms and hands that feel numb or tingly, resembling the stocking glove pattern. This occurs due to neurological involvement stemming from the thoracic spine, which can affect both the upper limb regions and potentially lead to altered peripheral sensation.

The symptoms are distinct from lower back pain, which is typically associated with lumbar spine issues rather than thoracic dysfunction. Similarly, unilateral headaches are often tied to other conditions such as migraines or tension-type headaches rather than T4 syndrome. Arm weakness can arise from various neurological or musculoskeletal conditions but is not a hallmark symptom of T4 syndrome. Thus, the symptoms aligned with T4 syndrome primarily focus on altered sensory perception that fits the stocking glove distribution.