Mnfarr37,
For many ES surgeons, having calcified ligaments w/o elongated styloids is a gray area. Most don’t believe/understand that calcified ligaments alone is also classified as ES. They wrongly believe that ES is only elongation of the styloid processes. We have several members who DID NOT have elongated styloids but had terrible ES symptoms from calcified ligaments alone.
As Jules noted, whether it’s the styloids or stylohyoid ligament calcification, thickness, angle, length, etc. all play in to the symptoms. Calcified ligaments alone can cause the hyoid bone to be tethered. It is normally free to move in all directions as you swallow, breathe, talk, sing, cough, etc. but when the stylohyoid &/or stylomandibular ligaments become calcified, that motion is hindered & pain results. Not only that, but the calcified sections can contact the aforementioned (Jules post) cranial nerves thus causing the pain you’re experiencing.
Below is a link to software that will help you convert your CT into 3D images. This will help you see what your doctors see. You can post 3D images on our forum, & we can give you our opinions, just keep in mind, we’re not doctors so can’t diagnose.