So none of those remarks should be huge causes for concern? My provider says my symptoms don’t quite fit with either and said it could be atypical migraines.
I have my TMJ assessment in the morning and I’m going to ask the Dentist to look for ES since a lot of people are diagnosed in that manner.
I also have the ultrasound of my carotid tomorrow afternoon. Could that show ES effects if it’s vascular ES?
I’m just going to keep on keeping on and try not to stress!
This is the BEST possible strategy, @BLPICCOL71! The two strategies you suggested i.e. asking your dentist to look for your styloids. If they’re elongated, they will show up in a CBCT scan which many dentists have the equipment to do & which your dentist will do if checking your jaw joints. Getting an US of your carotids could possibly show the effects of the styloids on the carotids especially if they’ve been poking them or rubbing on them. Don’t be discouraged if the US doesn’t give you any definitive results though. The CBCT at your dentists is likely to be more helpful.
Re: your MRI results - it would be best to go over them w/ the doctor who ordered the MRI & ask questions of him/her. Since we’re not doctors on here, we really can’t tell you for sure that the MRI results are insignificant. On the up side, though, if there is something suspicious or glaringly wrong, it would be noted as such & additional scanning or follow-up w/ a specialist would be recommended.
The dentist is referring me to another dentist for a differential evaluation and said the other dentist can do a 3D cone beam CT. That appt is 9/23.
Just finished the ultrasound of the carotid too and it was like the technician was literally following my pain in the neck!
Thank you for the feedback and encouragement so far, it really is helpful!
It sounds like your dentist is interested in helping you get a diagnosis & the US tech, too! I’m so glad to hear that!! I hope between the US results & the cone beam CT (CBCT) scan you will finally know whether or not your styloids are causing/contributing to your symptoms.
When I went for the CBCT scan their machine was down, ugh! But the dentist looked at my pano and did a TMJ assessment and ruled out TMJ. He wants me referred to an ENT to follow up on ES. I got the referral and asked to be referred to Dr. Greg Krempl. I should know this afternoon or tomorrow if they can refer me to him. We might have some progress after all!
That’s really good, hope you hear soon 