i was diagnosed with Eagle’s Syndrome and had surgery in October, 2025 with Dr. Hackman. He did a wonderful job, but both styloids were very long and one went under my jaw back to my spine. My jugular and carotid were blocked. Now that they are out, I am having issues when I lie down at night. Lots of pressure in my head and eye issues. I also am having trouble as my clavicle seem tight and rotated as well as hips. My brain pressure seems to be tightening my whole body. Has anyone else experienced this? I am having major vision issues as well. I am trying to get out of this pattern and get healthy. This has taken an enormous toll on my health.
I’m very sorry to hear you still have some pretty awful symptoms after your surgery w/ Dr. Hackman. Based on what you’ve said, it sounds like you may have internal jugular vein (IJV) compression that didn’t resolve with only a styloidectomy (or bilateral styloidectomies). If you have IJV compression, the likely cause is your C1 vertebra is pressing on your IJV(s) & part of that will need to be removed as well.
If you haven’t had a follow up CT scan w/ contrast since your October surgery that should be your next step. Actually, getting a CTV would be the most helpful to see if you do have IJV compression & what’s causing it. If you do, you’ll need a revision surgery to deal with the vascular compression. We have 4 doctors on our Doctors List who are very experienced w/ that particular surgery, & one who does the surgeries who is a bit less experienced but is closer to where you live.
I’m sorry for my bad news. Your situation is unusual but not unheard of on our forum. I hope getting a follow-up scan will be helpful in determining what’s going on.
Have you had your eyes checked? If not I would suggest doing this, as it sounds like you could have high intracranial pressure, and this can affect the eyes by compressing the optic nerve, so it’s important to get this checked.
Sending you a hug
Thank you for this information. Currently my doctor is telling me to lie on my right side every hour to drain my brain for high pressure. I am not sure how to get back to normal, but have been told I have thorasic outlet syndrome and can’t seem to get out of this pattern. Does anyone have sources for getting the body back in alignment, as my head was twisted for so long with one styloid growing under my jaw and back to my spine. I feel my eye issues are from intercranial high pressures, and the numbers have gotten better, but still major issues throughout the day. Just curious how to get out of this—- would I need a physiotherapist?
Thank you @Jules@Isaiah_40_31. I am trying desperately to get better. I’m not sure if it is IJV compression or because my body was held in such an awkward position for so long with thoracic outlet syndrome. Trying to figure out next steps as my head and eyes hurt all day. Uggg
I’m sorry to say we don’t have any doctors on our Doctors List in Nevada. Closest to you would either be Dr. Damrose in Palo Alto, CA, or Dr. Hepworth in Denver, CO.
I highly suggest you get a follow-up CT scan with contrast from skull base to your collar bones to get a look at your IJVs. We’d be happy to look at your imaging if you get it done as we often see things that could be significant but radiologists & doctors don’t comment on.
Did you have surgery for your TOS or only the styloidectomies? Even when IJVs are decompressed, if compression from TOS is severe enough, it can cause the same type of symptoms as compression in the IJVs up closer to the skull base.
The type of therapist you could try would be a myofascial release therapist or a soft tissue massage therapist. If you can find a PT who is well educated about ES someone like that might be able to help you. Stay away from chiropractic neck adjustments of all kinds & do not do any chin tucks if someone suggests those as being helpful.
