# Anyone with IJV compression from C1? **URL:** \ **Category:** General\ **Tags:** stories, symptoms\ **Created:** [October 29, 2026, 1:04pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/anyone-with-ijv-compression-from-c1/24790 "2026-10-29T13:04:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jess1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c57346/32.png) [@Jess1](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jess1)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 1:04pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/anyone-with-ijv-compression-from-c1/24790/1 "2026-10-29T13:04:09Z")
It’s been a while since I last posted but I’m still in a bit of a tailspin. I’ve seen multiple ENTs and they don’t think I have ES (parts of my stylohyoid are calcified, but not the whole thing. My styloid processes themselves are normal length). I have a left IJV compression (see summary below) that I’m pending a second opinion on. Since so many nerves are in the same area, I’m wondering if that’s a likely cause of my issues. I’d love to hear other people’s experiences as it’s hard to find studies or patient stories on cases like mine. Summary: I had a dynamic cerebral venogram with Dr. Nakaji and he wasn’t confident enough that it was causing my issues to operate; he wanted me to pursue other workup first but…I’ve gotten nowhere so I’m back to this. My left IJV is always compressed but I guess my right compensates enough. But, certain positions (like chin to chest) collapse both IJVs. I have a lot of symptoms, but a few of the top ones are: throat tension/constriction, difficulty inhaling, vocal issues, difficulty swallowing, sudden onset insomnia, head pressure, hemifacial spasm. ![left sag view](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/uploads/ben_eagle/original/3X/b/7/b70c5a89a202171540b5640191e39c5e65154d4f.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![kboi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/71e660/32.png) [@kboi](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/kboi)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 1:43pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/anyone-with-ijv-compression-from-c1/24790/2 "2026-10-29T13:43:38Z")
Could you post your angiogram results? ---
**Author:** ![Jess1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c57346/32.png) [@Jess1](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jess1)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 2:29pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/anyone-with-ijv-compression-from-c1/24790/3 "2026-10-29T14:29:34Z")
[Redacted\_Venogram.pdf](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/uploads/short-url/xaLys3hZxIIWv4bg6c9BeEXGDXc.pdf) (449.5 KB) Added! I do wish I knew more about head positions ahead of time as I would have liked to do some more “in between” angles, but it’s too late for that now. My head pressure is the worst when I change positions (like sitting in the car to getting up and walking to my front door) or laying on my stomach with my head propped up, both of which weren’t really possible under sedation. ---
**Author:** ![Jules](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/jules/32/404_2.png) [@Jules](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jules)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 5:07pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/anyone-with-ijv-compression-from-c1/24790/4 "2026-10-29T17:07:00Z")
Dr Nakaji can sometimes be more cautious about offering surgery, but given your symptoms and looking at the CT, I think it’s worth getting another opinion from one of the VES doctors. Others who have seen Dr Lui have found he does seem to take symptoms into account and not just look at CTs, so if you’re able to perhaps you could send your scans to him. (I’m sorry, I can’t remember if you’ve done that?). Your left styloid isn’t that long, but it’s very thick which can be enough to cause nerve symptoms, the C1 does seem to be compressing your IJV so could need shaving, and even small sections of calcified stylohyoid ligament can rub in nerves or blood vessels. I hope you’re able to get another opinion, that’s what I would do, I wouldn’t give up 🤗 ---
**Author:** ![Jess1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c57346/32.png) [@Jess1](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jess1)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 5:21pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/anyone-with-ijv-compression-from-c1/24790/5 "2026-10-29T17:21:37Z")
Thanks for your response, Jules! I’m in CA so I’m trying to be seen at UCLA neurosurgery (and I see Dr. Lekovic works there and is on the doctor’s list here). I haven’t reached out to Dr. Liu but I can look into it! So far I’ve seen Dr. Congetti (virtual), Dr. Guo, Dr. Damrose (awful experience), Dr. Nakaji, and Dr. Berke (still under his care but he wouldn’t do IJV-related surgeries). ---
**Author:** ![lsheep](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/lsheep/32/14121_2.png) [@lsheep](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/lsheep)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 6:07pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/anyone-with-ijv-compression-from-c1/24790/6 "2026-10-29T18:07:12Z")
Your styloid looks a lot like mine that I just got removed…. It looks like it may have a bump or unique curve in addition to being thick? ---
**Author:** ![Jess1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c57346/32.png) [@Jess1](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jess1)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 6:20pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/anyone-with-ijv-compression-from-c1/24790/7 "2026-10-29T18:20:20Z")
Yeah it’s definitely thicker than my right! My C1 is also much more normal looking on the right side. How’d you get approved for surgery if your styloids weren’t particularly long (asking since I’ve gotten a lot of pushback)? And how are you feeling post op? ---
**Author:** ![Jules](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/jules/32/404_2.png) [@Jules](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jules)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 6:33pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/anyone-with-ijv-compression-from-c1/24790/8 "2026-10-29T18:33:07Z")
What did Dr Cognetti say ? I’m sorry I can’t remember? ---
**Author:** ![lsheep](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/lsheep/32/14121_2.png) [@lsheep](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/lsheep)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 6:35pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/anyone-with-ijv-compression-from-c1/24790/9 "2026-10-29T18:35:17Z")
So I think a lot that helped was despite my symptomatic side being 3.0, the radiologist who reviewed it flagged the styloids and in the report mentioned Eagles. When I went back to see my ENT, he said he a patient who had a very similar CT scan to mine and he did a styloidectomy and the person felt better immediately and has since had their symptoms fully resolved. When we talked about even some things I had mentioned on the forum, he said he also believes that length shouldn’t be the only factor and the symptoms and shape and curve matter too. I feel like I am feeling pretty good but I am 24 hours post op so maybe the honeymoon phase right now. In post op, he came over to me and my styloid was curving in and this is why I was having issues swallowing, ear pain, breathing felt horrible, throat and neck tension all the time etc. this is my airway reconstruction where you can see where it was pressing into my throat. ![IMG_6964](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/uploads/ben_eagle/original/3X/5/7/575349770ff62bf38249e54dc574b821cd4c6101.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Jess1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c57346/32.png) [@Jess1](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jess1)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 7:14pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/anyone-with-ijv-compression-from-c1/24790/10 "2026-10-29T19:14:04Z")
He seemed uncertain if ES or IJV compression was my problem and encouraged me to explore other avenues first, which I find strange given that now two ES or IJV compression patients are the same. This is a direct note from my chart: “Imaging shows elongated styloid processes and left internal jugular vein compression, but symptom correlation is uncertain. Multifactorial etiology considered, with unlikely direct nerve compression. Surgical intervention not recommended; less invasive options prioritized.” I just don’t know what I’m doing wrong where even the few doctors who recognize these conditions won’t offer treatment. ---
**Author:** ![Jess1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c57346/32.png) [@Jess1](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jess1)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 7:19pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/anyone-with-ijv-compression-from-c1/24790/11 "2026-10-29T19:19:31Z")
If you don’t mind me asking, who did you see? And what are you highlighting in the image you shared (I’m bad at interpreting images)? I hope you have a seamless recovery! Do you mind if I DM you in a week or two? I’d love to hear more about your journey and how your recovery goes ---
**Author:** ![kboi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/71e660/32.png) [@kboi](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/kboi)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 7:21pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/anyone-with-ijv-compression-from-c1/24790/12 "2026-10-29T19:21:44Z")
I highly advise against seeing Dr. Lekovic. ---
**Author:** ![Jess1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c57346/32.png) [@Jess1](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jess1)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 7:40pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/anyone-with-ijv-compression-from-c1/24790/13 "2026-10-29T19:40:48Z")
@kboi Oh no…are you comfortable expanding on that? I’m trying to find somewhere local for my second opinion since I already traveled to AZ for Dr. Nakaji but don’t want to waste my time, either ---
**Author:** ![lsheep](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/lsheep/32/14121_2.png) [@lsheep](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/lsheep)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 8:02pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/anyone-with-ijv-compression-from-c1/24790/14 "2026-10-29T20:02:12Z")
Oh I should have added that! My apologies! My styloid was physically bulging into the lateral pharyngeal wall. The styloid is not pictured but it shows that something is pressing into my airway. This alters the local anatomy and creates mechanical irritation during normal throat movements. Feel free to message me! ---
**Author:** ![Jess1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c57346/32.png) [@Jess1](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jess1)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2026, 10:30pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/anyone-with-ijv-compression-from-c1/24790/15 "2026-10-29T22:30:13Z")
Oooooh thank you for pointing that out! Idk what my airway is supposed to look like on 3D but here’s mine (front facing). And thank you, I’ll message you soon! ![IMG_7907](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/uploads/ben_eagle/original/3X/4/5/4517f6f9b6d6d9fad22a3e523f0bd456cda0a2de.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Isaiah\_40\_31](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/isaiah_40_31/32/3054_2.png) [@Isaiah\_40\_31](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Isaiah_40_31)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2026, 2:05am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/anyone-with-ijv-compression-from-c1/24790/16 "2026-10-30T02:05:01Z")
@Jess1 - I read your angio/venogram report & it says you have bilateral IJV compression when your head is in flexion so even if your left side is worse, your right is also having trouble & not compensating at the level it might need to be in order for you to have decent IJV function. > [@Jess1](#): > > I have a lot of symptoms, but a few of the top ones are: throat tension/constriction, difficulty inhaling, vocal issues, difficulty swallowing, sudden onset insomnia, head pressure, hemifacial spasm. Styloid (even a short one as has been mentioned) irritation of the glossopharyngeal & vagus nerves can cause throat tension/constriction or the feeling of constriction. The vagus nerve being irritated is typically the cause of vocal issues, difficulty swallowing & possibly the insomnia troubles. Difficulty inhaling could also be related to vagus dysfunction as it also plays a role in breathing. Hemifacial spasms would most likely be from your facial nerve being irritated. The nerves I’ve listed are among those most commonly irritated or compressed by elongated or misshapen styloids. The vagus nerve sits in close quarters to the IJV up near the skull base w/in the carotid sheath so when the IJV(s) are compressed, the vagus nerve also suffers compression. As mentioned above it can cause numerous symptoms when it’s unhappy. It’s the largest & most extensive of our cranial nerves & affects quite a number of the body’s functions. Head pressure is from the intracranial hypertension (IH) which is resulting from your IJVs being compressed. When blood can’t flow out of the brain at the same rate the internal carotids are carrying it into the brain, IH is the result. It would be very worthwhile for you to get an appointment w/ Dr. Liu &/or Dr. Costantino. I know they’re far from CA, but both do telehealth initial consults so you wouldn’t have to travel to get their opinions. Both are quite experienced w/ ES & IJV decompression surgeries. I expect their perspectives on your situation will be different than that of the doctors you’ve already seen. It sure seems w/ the symptoms you have like you’d feel much better if your IJV(s) was/were decompressed & perhaps styloids removed as well. •Dr. James K. Liu, 200 S. Orange Ave, Ste. 265, Livingston NJ, ph # - 973-577-2888 [Dr. James K. Liu | Top Neurosurgeon in Livingston, NJ](https://www.neurosurgeonsofnewjersey.com/james-k-liu/) OR [https://skullbasemd.com](https://skullbasemd.com) - Does telehealth consults. •Dr Peter Costantino - Institute for Specialized Surgery - [info@iss.org](mailto:info@iss.org) - Does telehealth consults. I also notice you have an extremely straight cervical spine. Working to restore your natural cervical lordotic curve might help reduce your symptoms. That can be done using gentle exercises but it takes patience & time. Here’s a link to a post that has very helpful information about that in it - [List of my favourite resources on YouTube to learn anatomy](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/list-of-my-favourite-resources-on-youtube-to-learn-anatomy/10249) ![Cervical Curve Military vs Normal](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/uploads/ben_eagle/original/2X/8/89689a65b8d3bc54f760c53a4fc2cbe0e51d1786.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![kboi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/71e660/32.png) [@kboi](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/kboi)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2026, 7:24am UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/anyone-with-ijv-compression-from-c1/24790/17 "2026-10-30T07:24:34Z")
@Jess1 I came for a consult and I told him I have headaches head pressure 24/7, visual snow syndrome, brain fog and dizziness. And he straight up told me this surgery won’t help me because the brain does not have sensory nerves and doesn’t have to a way to transmit pain signals. I recommend Dr. Damrose at Standford and Dr. Liu in New Jersey. I had consults with both but had surgery with Liu because of timing reasons. ---
**Author:** ![Jess1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c57346/32.png) [@Jess1](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jess1)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2026, 2:05pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/anyone-with-ijv-compression-from-c1/24790/18 "2026-10-30T14:05:38Z")
I’m sorry you were dismissed; I know all too well how awful that is. I really appreciate you sharing and I’ll absolutely share my experience if I end up seeing him! Sadly, I didn’t have a great experience with Dr. Damrose…I know he has helped some people on here but it’s kind of wild to see the range of experiences we have with the same providers! ---
**Author:** ![Jess1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c57346/32.png) [@Jess1](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jess1)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2026, 2:21pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/anyone-with-ijv-compression-from-c1/24790/19 "2026-10-30T14:21:17Z")
Thanks, as always, for such a thorough response! I submitted the inquiry form for Dr. Liu and I’m going to look into Constantino today. I know my venous pressure results may be considered borderline, but I was really surprised Dr. Nakaji didn’t take into account that several nerves could be compressed by my C1 (or the calcified sections of my stylohyoid). And yep I’m well aware of my military neck and was supposed to start PT for it years ago but I didn’t stick with it…and now it’s hard for me to tolerate a lot of different positions of my neck because it makes it hard to breathe. But definitely something I’ll look into long term! ---
**Author:** ![Jules](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/jules/32/404_2.png) [@Jules](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Jules)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2026, 4:23pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/anyone-with-ijv-compression-from-c1/24790/20 "2026-10-30T16:23:40Z")
> [@Jess1](#): > > Oh no…are you comfortable expanding on that? I’m trying to find somewhere local for my second opinion since I already traveled to AZ for Dr. Nakaji but don’t want to waste my time, either We do have to be careful with negative comments about doctors on the open forum for legal reasons, but sending private messages with honest opinions is fine 🤗 [Next page](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/anyone-with-ijv-compression-from-c1/24790.md?page=2)