# Next steps after first discovering calcified ligament **URL:** \ **Category:** New User Help\ **Created:** [June 16, 2026, 6:59pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/next-steps-after-first-discovering-calcified-ligament/23373 "2026-06-16T18:59:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 4
**Author:** ![Isaiah\_40\_31](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.livingwitheagle.org/isaiah_40_31/32/3054_2.png) [@Isaiah\_40\_31](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/u/Isaiah_40_31)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2026, 11:43pm UTC](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/next-steps-after-first-discovering-calcified-ligament/23373/4 "2026-06-17T23:43:23Z")
@Jem - > [@Jem](#): > > after looking around, it seems my next steps are to get a CT scan, and next contacting a doctor, I am thinking Dr. Osborne in CA at this p A consult w/ Dr. Osborne will be a positive step toward getting a diagnosis. He will be helpful for you. > [@Jem](#): > > So far, my main noticeable issue is the “poking” sensation, ear pain, TMJ pain, shoulder pain… These are symptoms caused by the styloid causing irritation to several cranial nerves. > [@Jem](#): > > My TMJ dentist gave me an ENT referral - it sounds like he has done the styloidectomy before, but I’m not sure if he is deeply familiar with the syndrome. Thanks to this forum, I am seeing that that is very important as there is a lot to be aware of and check for beyond just removing the ligament. I want to make sure I’m working with someone who “gets it”. Do you know if the ENT to whom you’ve been referred is on our Doctors List? Here’s a link to a post about surgery. In the middle of the post there’s a list of questions we recommend you ask any doctor with whom you have an ES consult: > [@ES Information- Treatment: Surgery](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/es-information-treatment-surgery/1385): > > ES Information: Treatment Available For ES- Surgery Disclaimer: These answers to common questions were put together for new members to gain a head start in finding information about Eagle Syndrome; to give you confidence to discuss issues with your medical team and to encourage you to research issues further for yourselves. It was compiled by a volunteer Moderator, who does not claim to be a medical professional, merely an informed observer and patient! The sources used are personal experiences… > [@Jem](#): > > I am wondering if anyone has tips for me for my next steps? Next step is getting a CT scan w/ contrast of the area between skull base & hyoid bone or collar bones. Get 2 copies of your imaging on CDs before you leave from your appointment. After that choose a couple of doctors with whom you’d like to have an initial consult & send them your imaging (check w/ their offices to see what format they want it in before sending anything). You can also upload it on your computer & convert it to 3D using [radiantviewer.com](http://radiantviewer.com) (for PCs) or Bee Dicom Viewer App (for Macs). 3D conversion will help you better see what’s going on in your neck & you can upload a few images here & we can comment on them as well. In the meantime, you can try icing your neck for 15 min several times/day using a thin cloth between skin & icepack to prevent ice burns. If you buy gel packs that can be both frozen & heated, you can also try heat to see if that helps more than ice. OTC lidocaine patches (5% lidocaine) have been helpful for some members when applied to their necks. Rx strength lidocaine patches (10% lidocaine) are also available. Nerve pain meds such as Gabapentin, Amitriptyline & Carbamazepine have been helpful for some members in reducing the symptoms caused by nerve pain. If you’ve noticed that symptoms flare when your head is in particular positions, try to avoid those positions. I hope you’re able to get referred for a CT scan soon so you can be on your way to finding out whether or not you have ES. 🙂 --- _[View the full topic](https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/next-steps-after-first-discovering-calcified-ligament/23373)._