Hi @Leah
The MRI was taken lying down and the CBCT was taken sitting straight up. I probably spend 95% of my day in those 2 positions.
My styloid probably grazes the C1 transverse process as I rotate my head. But I think because of the general rounded it shape, I don’t hit it with every small movement. I had testing done with Dr. Patsalides to see what positions creates worse pressures in my head. Turning to the right is bad and looking down is really bad, so I would assume that in those positions the bones are probably in contact and totally crushing the IJV.
The MRI I shared was a cervical spine MRI, but I specifically asked for contrast when I had it done. If you had that MRI taken and they didn’t inject contrast into your blood stream, it will be harder to see the arteries and veins. However, on T2 or Stir MRI sequences, you should still be able to make out the IJV. Also, with the cervical scan I was lucky that the last few slices showed my IJV stenosis. If I had shifted up another inch in the machine it would not have captured it, so hopefully your scans go to that height on C1.
My surgery is scheduled for May 16 with Dr. Larry Lo and Dr. Constantino in NY.
Feel free to message me if you need help looking at those images.