I've attached a recent cervical x-ray below (hyperlink 002) . I realize these are not good shots and that a CT scan is the definitive diagnostic image. . The lateral view is from the right side even though I'm having more left side problems (I am having some right side problems). It was supposed to fully capture the c-spine. The Doc I'm seeing on Wed is quick to dismiss symptoms, etc so I'm not sure if I should show him these or not.
Questions:
Does anybody see anything relevant on these images?
Should I show them to the ES ENT on Wed?
Regarding the 3D CT scan, does contrast matter a lot - will he likely include that or should I ask for it?
Eddie, I'm just putting my moderator hat on for a moment to remind that only a doctor or radiologist can give a professional "read" on the scans (though I always find them pretty interesting to look at). It certainly can't hurt to show the scans to the new doc.
If you have a CT scan with contrast (called also a venogram in UK, not sure US), it shows the blood vessels, so would show if the styloids are compressing those. You would need to ask for that to be done. It's hard to see on your x-rays....not all doctors know the best scans to show ES! A straight forward x-ray can show other things- might be best kept up your sleeve if he wants to rule out other causes of neck pain- arthritis etc.
Eddie, I’m just putting my moderator hat on for a moment to remind that only a doctor or radiologist can give a professional “read” on the scans (though I always find them pretty interesting to look at). It certainly can’t hurt to show the scans to the new doc.
If you have a CT scan with contrast (called also a venogram in UK, not sure US), it shows the blood vessels, so would show if the styloids are compressing those. You would need to ask for that to be done. It’s hard to see on your x-rays…not all doctors know the best scans to show ES! A straight forward x-ray can show other things- might be best kept up your sleeve if he wants to rule out other causes of neck pain- arthritis etc.
Hi Eddie!
I personally think that you should ask for the 3d cat scan after 4 doctors, scans & xray. That’s how I finally got my diagnosis was by getting that 3d cat scan it was very obvious that I had an elongated styloid when I got those done. Don’t give up
~Sela
Hi Eddie! I personally think that you should ask for the 3d cat scan after 4 doctors, scans & xray. That’s how I finally got my diagnosis was by getting that 3d cat scan it was very obvious that I had an elongated styloid when I got those done. Don’t give up
Here are my CT scan images. These were done w/o contrast. You can clearly see my elongated styloids. This is what ES looks like & is the evidence any knowlegeable ENT would be able to use to diagnose ES.
I actually had an ENT who suspected ES rule it out based on a cervical x-ray five years ago. He didn’t detect it on CT scans of the neck either, so it may be that he didn’t have any actual experience with ES in patients. It wasn’t until I asked for a CT (done w/o contrast) of the styloids, which I did after reading up on this site, and sent it to an experienced ENT that I finally got a diagnosis a couple of weeks ago. He even said that it was a very clear case of ES. I would for sure ask for a CT scan (preferably 3D).
Here are my CT scan images. These were done w/o contrast. You can clearly see my elongated styloids. This is what ES looks like & is the evidence any knowlegeable ENT would be able to use to diagnose ES.
Hi Eddie, I actually had an ENT who suspected ES rule it out based on a cervical x-ray five years ago. He didn’t detect it on CT scans of the neck either, so it may be that he didn’t have any actual experience with ES in patients. It wasn’t until I asked for a CT (done w/o contrast) of the styloids, which I did after reading up on this site, and sent it to an experienced ENT that I finally got a diagnosis a couple of weeks ago. He even said that it was a very clear case of ES. I would for sure ask for a CT scan (preferably 3D).
