Yes, this is the doctor 
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Lovely, thanks I’ve added them to our list!
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Hi. sorry for not reponding to earlier messages. Here is an update: The CT scan (end of July) showed an elongated styloid on the left of 3.5 and on the right 4 cm, which is very strange because the pain on the left side is unbearable and on the right side I feel nothing. My ENT doctor did not want to do anything about it and after a lot of pressure I got a second opinion at my request to the Radboud Hospital (Dr. Marres). I first made a few phone calls and I can be seen by this doctor within 4 weeks. I spent a night in the emergency room this weekend because of vomiting with severe headache on one side. A CT of the head was made by neurology and nothing was found. I have told the whole story, but they keep saying that my pain and symptoms cannot be related to an elongated styloid. I persevere and I hope that Dr. Marres (professor/academic medical specialist ENT/head and neck surgeon oncology and experienced in the field of Eagle) will examine me further and can give the definitive diagnosis and treatment.
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I’m so sorry that you had to go to the emergency room this weekend, that must’ve been a worry- good that nothing was found, maybe it was a migraine?
And good news that your CT does show elongated styloids, I hope that Prof Marres will help you…Re the styloids being elongated but you just having symptoms one side, that is quite common, it could be that the angle of your left side is bringing the styloid into contact with different nerves, otherwise if one styloid is thicker than the other that can cause symptoms too.
What is the healthcare system like in The Netherlands, so you have long waiting times? Is it easy to get a referral to Prof Marres?
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Hi Jules! Thank you for your response and explanation. It makes sense that the styloid varies between sides. I feel a dull, throbbing pain under my ear, radiating to my face and the back of my head (or that is separate problem, I don’t know). In the hospital, I got frustrated because my headaches are stress-related, causing muscle tension. Despite my complaints, no doctor, including the ENT specialist, GP, or neurologist, examined the painful spot. I hope Dr. Marres will take my concerns seriously, conduct further scans, and confirm that the styloid is pinching a nerve, so I know I’m not imagining things.
In the Netherlands, you have the right to a second opinion, so you can seek another referral if needed. However, only a handful of head and neck surgeons in the country are willing to perform surgery or even diagnose Eagle syndrome. I started calling around to inquire about waiting times. The Radboud Hospital, where Dr. Marres works, had the shortest wait time. Once my referral letter was received, they informed me I would be seen within four weeks, which I am very excited about.
Regarding healthcare in the Netherlands and waiting lists: The Netherlands has a hybrid healthcare system with universal coverage through regulated private insurance. It’s mandatory for residents and balances quality, cost control, and patient choice.
Key differences with the US system include:
- Universal coverage is mandatory in the Netherlands.
- The Dutch system uses regulated private insurance.
- Dutch healthcare costs less than in the US.
- Dutch residents have lower out-of-pocket expenses.
- Access to care, especially primary and urgent care, is easier in the Netherlands.
- General practitioners in the Netherlands act as gatekeepers to specialist care.
- The Dutch government plays a significant role in regulating and ensuring affordability.
- Prescription drug use is less prevalent in the Netherlands.
- The Netherlands has better health outcomes and higher life expectancy than the US.
- The US has higher administrative costs due to its for-profit model.
Waiting times in the Netherlands have increased due to factors like population growth, an aging population, staff shortages, and limited healthcare capacity. Efforts to address these issues include recruiting foreign healthcare workers and improving efficiency, but there’s no quick solution.
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@Mona -
Thank you for your explanation about the healthcare system in the Netherlands. I have friends who are American & just moved there from Lithuania. The wife had a baby soon after arriving in the Netherlands & couldn’t say enough good about the pre & post natal care she received. Having to wait a little longer to see a specialist seems a small price to pay for healthcare that is so well managed & affordable.
These symptoms could definitely be ES related as I had some very similar ones. For me, skull base pain was very prominent & bothersome. Is that where you feel the pain in the back of your head?
Dr. Marres most likely won’t be able to definitively tell you the pain is from a pinched or irritated nerve, but since we know that is what causes the painful symptoms of ES, it’s almost a given.
I’m glad you’ll have your appt with Dr. Marres soon. Wait times in the US for initial appts are often 2-3 mos out for doctors who are specialists & even for PCPs now.
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Hi @Isaiah_40_31
Thank you for sharing that, and I’m glad to hear your friends were well received here in the Netherlands. The healthcare system here generally works well, although there can be waiting times to see a specialist, often around 2-5 months if it’s not an urgent case. One helpful aspect is the public and transparent waiting lists by specialty and hospital, which can be viewed online. Since the country is relatively small, it’s not too difficult to call around and find where the shortest waiting lists are. For example, the other Eagle specialist in Leiden currently has a longer waiting list.
Regarding the pain, yes, it’s definitely at the edge of the skull for me too. I was initially misdiagnosed (?) with occipital neuralgia and injected with steroids in that area, but it did nothing. It’s reassuring (though unfortunate for both of us) to know that this pain is consistent with ES. Thanks for confirming that. And thanks for taking the time to reply
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It sounds like a good system! Good that you can see waiting times & are able to see Dr Marres…I’m in the UK & although our NHS is free, the waiting times & ability to get tests done are pretty bad right now.
A shame you had no help from the steroid injections, but it’s less invasive than ES surgery, so worth a try I guess. I did have some occipital neuralgia , but I think for me it was muscle tension trapping the nerve perhaps, & physiotherapy helped…
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Mona, good to hear that you have the results of the scan and an appointment with the doctor. That are steps in the right direction. Hopefully you dont have to wait so long… your symptoms sound awful 
I must say we are lucky to live in the Netherlands with this healthcare system.
Tomorrow i get my second surgery btw.
Goodluck with your appointment in Radboud hospital! Will you send updates?
Greetings Dodo
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@Dodo , I hope that your surgery goes well tomorrow, praying for a good outcome 
Let us know how you are when you’re able!
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I will be praying for you, too, @Dodo!
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Hello, surgery went well and quick! Got home the same night. Its pretty painful but i got pain killers and can eat already
Thank you. Greetings 
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Glad that you’re home already, & can eat! Keep up with the painkillers & take it easy, praying for good results 
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That’s really good news, @Dodo! Home is the best place for recovery!! Please keep us updated as to how your healing is going.
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Hello last night the pain was the worst, but i’m sure it will be over in a few days.
I sleep a lot and that has to be the best medicine and best of all the tension in my neck is also gone at this side, the doctor explained something like the styloid was touching the spine so it makes sense that this pain is gone now.
Thanks for the messages 
very sweet. Greetings Dodo
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I hope you can get the pain under control with medication, I’m glad you’re sleeping lots though. Take care
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@Dodo - you’re just getting through the worst part of the post op swelling period so I expect you’re right that you will start feeling better & better going forward. It’s great that the tension is gone on the operated side. Now for the other remaining symptoms to leave, too!! 
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