Hi! I’m 32 years old and I was diagnosed last week with Eagle Syndrome after my internal carotid artery tore back in August. I gave birth to my second son and 2 weeks later experienced crippling migraines that never left. I was in so much pain and went to the ER multiple times. The first time they thought it was preeclampsia from being newly postpartum. Treated me, and sent me home. I ended up back in the ER again because of the pain behind my right eye and persistent migraines. This time they thought it was just from exhaustion. They kept me over night and gave me medication to help me rest. 3rd ER visit the doctor there was concerned it was something neurological and admitted me. I had an MRI done and then a CTA scan. The CTA scan confirmed dissection of my right internal carotid artery and while viewing my CTA scan, it was discovered that my styloid process on the right measured 3.7cm and the left was also elongated. I was referred to an ENT specialist in Chapel Hill, NC. I just saw Dr. Hackman last week and we are going to move forward with the bilateral styloidectomy in March. He suspects the dissection happened from pushing during labor OR possibly from the neck adjustments I was having at the chiropractor during my pregnancy. Before the dissection I never had any symptoms of Eagle Syndrome. Ever since the dissection I have continued to experience neck pain, ear pain, ear ringing, trouble swallowing, and headaches that come and go. I’m just curious why I never had these symptoms prior to the dissection if I’ve always had the elongated styloid process. Dr. Hackman said that it seems my dissection has healed a good amount since August so why the sudden Eagle Syndrome symptoms after that happened and never before? I just wanted to share my story because it was traumatic and my family and I were so worried I was going to die when it all first happened.
@Kelso25 - Welcome to our forum! I’m sorry for what you’ve been through. It is VERY SCARY especially that it all began soon after giving birth.
We’ve got a number of members who’ve had sudden onset of ES symptoms without explanation. In some cases we can speculate what might have brought them on, & in others it’s hard to know. I’d say in your case, the change in hormones & softening of your tendons & ligaments during pregnancy, combined w/ the force of pushing during labor, brought your ES symptoms to the forefront. I speculate that they were likely latent prior to the ICA dissection & would have potentially shown up eventually as the result of other stresses on your body. I know that’s not a succinct answer, but it is food for thought.
I’m glad your ICA dissection is healing w/o the need to have it surgically repaired, but you went through a very anxious & troubling time getting to this point. I’m glad you’re seeing Dr. Hackman for surgery. He’s one of the more experienced ES surgeons on our Doctors List & has helped quite a number of our members.
Surgery is not a quick fix for ES symptoms, & it can take a number of months for the irritated nerves & other soft tissues to recover. Energy levels can be low for a couple of months post op, too. I’m only telling you this so you’re prepared ahead & not anxious when you awaken from surgery w/ symptoms still present.
I wish for you to have complete healing from your ES symptoms in 2026 so you can fully enjoy your new little one. 
I’m sorry that you had that happen after having your baby, it’s a stressful enough time without that sort of trauma! I’m glad that Dr Hackman feels it’s healed enough & is confident to do your surgery, as @Isaiah_40_31 says, he’s very experienced.
We have had other members who had symptoms start after or during pregnancy, & as @Isaiah_40_31 says we’ve always presumed is perhaps from softened ligaments. Not much is known about the causes of ES apart from tonsillectomy & neck trauma, we’ve come up with our own theories on here from members sharing their experiences…
Have you got a date for your surgery with Dr Hackman?
March 16th!
It’s on my calendar, @Kelso25. I’ll be praying for you that day in particular. 
Thank you so much!