Examination results: NFZ CT scan of the neck without contrast
Diagnosis: R42 - Dizziness and intoxication
Calcifications are visible in the styloid ligament bilaterally, extending approximately 35mm from the base of the right styloid process and approximately 38mm from the base of the left styloid process. If clinically consistent, the image may be consistent with Eagle syndrome.
I apologize for my English, I’m from Poland. My neck hurts, I have severe dizziness, I often feel like I’m fainting, my throat is sore on one side, I have brain fog, discomfort in what I think are my arteries, eye pain, all on the left side, and much more. Could all of this be related to Eagle syndrome? I have an appointment with an Eagle syndrome specialist on January 19th, where I’ll be diagnosed. Could you tell me if this could be it?
Yes, the doctor I’m seeing operates on Eagle syndrome. For the past few weeks, I’ve also had significant difficulty swallowing. Additionally, when I press on the area under my ear, I feel faint, as if I’m fainting. I also have this symptom when I turn my head. I’ve become very anxious, as I’m slowly losing my strength. Brain fog and anxiety are slowly killing me. It’s great that you’ve welcomed me here; I feel like I’m not alone. Greetings from Poland.
@Pit_pl - It’s good news that the doctor you’re seeing operates on Eagle Syndrome!
Difficulty swallowing is also a common symptom of ES. More concerning though are your vascular symptoms. I hope the doctor observes whether your internal/external carotid arteries or common carotid artery are being poked or squashed by your styloids. You could also ask if (s)he sees any compression of your internal jugular veins between your styloids & C1 vertebra. Elongated greater horns on your hyoid bone can also irritated the carotids. Mentioning that you’d like your doctor to check all these things in your imaging would be a good idea.
also hope he’ll pay attention to the vascular issues. I also had angiography done on all my carotid arteries. It turned out that one of my arteries was very narrow, probably hypoplasia. Maybe the appendix is irritating it, and that’s why I’m having these symptoms. Of course, I’ll take all the tests to a doctor. I’m also considering seeing a psychiatrist…
If the vagus nerve is compressed/ irritated, which it often is by the styloid processes, this can cause anxiety, so as well as your symptoms worrying you, which is perfectly understandable, you might have the vagus nerve causing anxiety. So if the vagus nerve is affected and causing the anxiety then a psychiatrist would be unlikely to help…cognitive behavioural therapy could possibly help you understand and accept the symptoms for what they are I guess? Some members have tried anti-anxiety medication, personally I’d be concerned about that if there’s a nervous system reason for the anxiety, but that’s a personal choice…
We have info about surgery and a list of questions we suggest members ask doctors if they’re considering surgery, here’s a link and the questions in case it’s helpful: ES Information- Treatment: Surgery - Welcome / Newbies Guide to Eagle Syndrome - Living with Eagle
Questions To Ask Your Doctor:
How many ES surgeries have they done and what was the success rate?
Whether they’re going to operate externally, or intraoral- through the mouth. Whilst some members have had successful surgeries with intraoral, external is better for seeing all the structures, to be able to remove more of the styloids, & also there’s less chance of infection.
You need to ask how much of the styloid he’ll remove- as much as possible is best- & anything left needs to be smoothed off. The piece needs to be removed too- some doctors have snapped it off & left it in! If the styloid is only shortened a bit it can still cause symptoms.
If your stylohyoid ligaments are calcified, then any calcified section needs to be removed too.
There’s usually swelling after surgery; you could ask if a drain’s put in to reduce swelling, or if steroids are prescribed. It’s not essential, but can help with recovery a bit.
Will it be a day case surgery or will you need to stay in?
Obviously ask the risks- we know from experience on here that temporary damage to the facial nerve is quite common, and also the hypoglossal nerve and the accessory nerve. These usually recovery very quickly but in some cases members have needed physiotherapy. There is also the risk of catching a blood vessel or having a stroke, but these are very rare.
Ask if the surgeon monitors the nerves- this should be done to see if there’s stress on the nerves to avoid damage as mentioned above.
What painkillers will be prescribed afterwards.
Ask about recovery- most doctors either down play it or are genuinely unaware of how long the recovery can take!
We have heard that occasionally doctors use surgical clips which are left in, it’s been suggested that these could interfere with chiropractic adjustments if needed post-surgery, so something to consider, and also we have now seen members who’ve been left in pain from the clips and needed further surgery to remove them, so do ask if they might be used.