@MsBearshark - I can attest to the fact that, in general, the styloids don’t play a structurally significant role in the body. I had both of mine removed about 8 yrs ago & have been able to live my fully since then.
@Jules noted that some of our members who have ED/CCI/AAI have felt their necks’ hypermobility symptoms post op have worsened. The top CCI/AAI doctors in the US have stated that should not be the case as the styloids don’t play a role in cervical stability. We have speculated here that it’s possible that cervical instability itself is what caused the styloids to elongate &/or stylohyoid ligaments to calcify, thus for those w/ ED/CCI/AAI, the styloids may play a small role in cervical stability. This would explain a worsening of hypermobility symptoms after ES surgery. All that said, it is critical to take care of the IJV compression & potential CSF leak at this time as they are more significant problems. The ED symptoms can be addressed later should they become worse.
I also agree that the MRI should be put off till after ES surgery or indefinitely. There is info about gadolinium on our forum. It has had a very negative impact on some people. Gadolinium contrast