I wasn’t able to get clear imaging of my styloid process from the MRI or CT scan. At least nothing I could see. I went to my dentist last week for a cleaning and told her about being diagnosed with Eagle Syndrome. She said she had clear images to show mine so I asked if she would print them for me! My right side (left on the picture) is the styloid that is elongated. My dentist said it even looks pretty sharp compared to others she has seen. This little sucker is what tore my right internal carotid artery back in August of last year.
3 Likes
@Kelso25 - Actually, the fact you can see both styloids in your CBCT/panoramic x-ray means they’re both elongated. They aren’t normally visible in that type of imaging if they’re normal length. Both look pointed at the tip but the right one looks exceptionally sharp & is growing at a more downward angle than the left one. I hope you can get that thing removed ASAP!
1 Like
Ouchie, it does look like a needle! Hope you can get some help soon 
1 Like
Hi Kelso25, that’s an impressive image! Well done getting the image 
. I’m interested to kow about your experience tearing your ICA please. Only asking as I think I have an issue with a probable elongated hyoid horn poking into my neck carotid artery sometimes at certain angles (also have ES and IJV compression). I was fortunate to have an MRA scan on it, but things looked ‘OK’, but the point is the scans don’t show dynamic situation when we move at different angles. It’s a bit scary wondering if it will dissect the carotid artery one day, as that can be curtains. Very pleased that didn’t happen to you! but grateful to hear what happened with you. Thanks very much. Hope you can get things sorted for you as that pointy styloid that already tore your artery is horrid for you to live with!
2 Likes
@Blodyn - How are you coping with your symptoms & family challenge? I certainly wish you were able to at least get your styloids & IJV compression taken care of. Perhaps one day that will work out for you. 
2 Likes
Thanks so much, Isaiah, for asking about me. Sorry I’m very intermittent having a chance to engage much on this brilliant forum, but now-and-then is better than not at all, at least
Hoping you are as well as you can be? My situation is the same, living with the symptoms as no way can go further with things currently or be away even a night, so I haven’t been trying to get other opinions & aware of the complexities and cross-overs of different specialists that deal with one bit and another another bit. Can’t face all that currently, nor able to travel to the very few who may help, but could arrange video appointments etc, but, so much on running everything, responsibilitues and caring for partner full time, just not able to consider doing anything about it all. If things got worse maybe would have to reconsider, but in the meantime no more progress on my side! It’s very comforting to know this forum is here - and you who are brilliant. So, thank you so much
2 Likes
I’m glad you’re able to function as you need to with the symptoms you have, @Blodyn. I’m sure your partner is very appreciative of the love & care you’re providing while also suffering yourself. I hope your symptoms reduce on their own or at the very least stay at a level that leaves you with good mental, physical & emotional function.
2 Likes
Thinking of you, a difficult situation for you… sending you hugs
2 Likes
@Blodyn A wise young boy once said “Do all you can with what you have in the time you have in the place you are” I think you are doing just that and you are brilliant. Keeping you in my thoughts.
4 Likes
Great quote @Chrickychricky! Thank you for sharing it!
2 Likes
Thanks very much Isaiah. It’s quite a fragile situation and balance that could easily tip over, best not to think too much on it - not great on those 3 functions you mention! but grateful for much, thanks again. 
2 Likes
Thanks very much, Jules. Appreciate it
1 Like
Hi Chricky x 2, that’s a billiant quote and motto to live by - thank you so much.It does help to keep reminding oneself about those words - basically we can only do our best all the time in whatever situation and accept things out of our control, though that last bit is hard. You’re very kind. Thank you for the words of support X
2 Likes
This comment actually confirmed something for me! When I had my last panoramic dental x-ray, the dentist pointed out both of my styloids (the length and the angle). You mentioned here that normal styloids aren’t visible on panoramic x-rays. Remember the conversation I just had with the ENT surgeon who said my styloids were falsely measured previously and causing no concern. No reason my symptoms are from Eagle syndrome and no reason for surgery due to compression of carotids. Which is opposite all anyone else has ever said. Talk about a dead end! Anyway, your point about being able to see styloids in the panoramic x-ray confirmed one more time to me that my styloids are anything but normal! Validating. But SIGH!
3 Likes
I agree with Blodyn, I would like to hear more from Kelso25 about the experience of torn ICA. One of my styloids is resting on my ICA and the other is resting on the ECA. My PCP is very concerned about this compression and potential tearing of the vessels. But the ENT I went to recently shut down this conversation. I do know from the experienced friends here at Living with Eagle that it is very rare to have a torn vessel because they are very durable even under compression. But it does sound possible. (And I’m thinking compression is a serious issue, especially with dynamic considerations of movement rather than our posture always being the static position seen in standard testing. I’ve asked for dynamic testing and been shut down on that as well.) Anyway, I’d love to hear more about that awful experience you must have had Kelso, with the torn ICA.
3 Likes
@WillisWay - Honestly, I continue to be a bit shocked by Dr. Chan dismissing you the way she did. She’s been helpful to other members who had been dismissed by other doctors. I am praying your next appointment with whomever you decide to see, provides you with the diagnosis & help you need.
Styloid contact with the carotids is scary for many reasons & I hope yours can be taken care of soon!
1 Like
Sorry about your horrid styloid situation with your ICA and ECA. From what I found out myself, dissection of the CA is definitely life-threatening. Can’t recall the source, but it sticks in my head that arteries like the carotid have more rigid walls than can be dissected much more easily than veins like the jugular whose walls are more flexible & can withstand more poking by bones. If that’s so, even more reason to address potential dissection of the CA. Although no medics in my area picked up on the ES (which I ended up self-diagnosing from CT scan) together with IJV compression - and they can’t offer anything to be done (except a tonsilectomy and chop the end off the styloid!) - BUT - as soon as I showed them the situation on the scan & asked about jugular and carotid compressions, they suddenly sprung into action as the neuroradiologist had heard about the high danger of CA dissection & ordered an urgent MRA scan - because of carotid dissection being properly life-threatening. Like you, I said the same thing that the scans only show a static position, not any dynamic movement, so the results are limited really. Yes I hope Kelso can enlighten us more!
WillisWay - are you having any symptoms, like feeling stabbing in the neck/ throat etc when moving the head sometimes? or any other symptoms?
Take care and all the best 
2 Likes