Thoughts on Symptoms

General
1

I am a male in my late 30's and have the following symptoms -

- The feeling of something in the left side of my throat.

- Ear pain (mild) like my ear has pressure on it (similar to the feeling one gets when flying)

- Sore neck on left side (chronic)

- Commonly have a headache on left side

- Feeling light headed at times

- Slight soreness under interior of left jaw line.

- General pain radiating from left throat area up behind my jaw joint, across my cheek bone, around part of my left eye to my ear and behind my ear.

- At time when I sneeze, cough, or yawn the sensation is mildy intensified and will feel it in my left eye, sometime resulted it what feels like muscle spasms in the area of my eye/face.

I saw an ENT a month ago and prescribed Prilosec for acid reflux. I didn't think it sounded right, but I changed my diet and didn't eat anything before I went to bed for awhile. Well the symptoms are now worse if anything and I am going back tomorrow to discuss my symptoms.

My questions are...

Am I approaching this correctly by seeing an ENT?

Could this be Eagles Syndrome?

Any other thoughts on diagnosis with similar symptoms?

Questions I should ask the ENT?

I really appreciate the input as I seem to be at loss. Understanding, I am not asking for a diagnosis over the Internet, but just some possibilities. Again any input is much appreciated! Thanks...

2

Sounds like it could be I’m male and mine started early 30s. Went through many ENTs saying the same thing. Get second option and demand MRI

3

Sounds like ES to me. I’ve had all of the symptoms you are describing. I went to a few different ENTs and other specialists before coming across this website. I had to basically self diagnose myself. I then went back to my ENT, mentioned Eagles and made him look at my previous CT scan. Then he realized I had bilateral Eagles Syndrome. Be persistent and if one ENT dismisses you, move on to the next. I know how frustrating it can be. Good luck! :slight_smile:

4

Thomas, I can't tell you for sure but it sounds a lot like ES from what I am reading. I am new to this so I don't have as much experience and was just diagnosed myself it started with a sensation that something was stuck in my throat. I was given Prilosec and said it was reflux. I do think I had some but it did not get better so I kept going until a doctor actually palpated my throat and felt a hard mass-thogutht it was a tonsil stone...it is a bone. It took me from Feb. until now to get to this point I would def. start looking at other possibilities because I went to five ENT's to get to this point. I wish you luck!!!

5

Thomas,

It does sound like Eagles. ENT is the right kind of doctor, but you may have to search to find one who knows about Eagles. Most of us on here self-diagnosed and lots of us were first told it was reflux.

Most say you need a CT scan with contrast to see Eagles and you have to tell them to evaluate for elongated styloids. Otherwise they may not notice it. A 3D scan is best, but not necessary to diagnose from what doctors have told me. Some have been diagnosed with panoramic x-rays. Two doctors told me you just need CT scan and don''t need contrast. MRIs don't usually show styloids.

There is a list done by one of the forum members, Emma, that gives the name of doctors that have operated successfully on at least one member. But you have to be careful, because some of the doctors have been unsuccessful with other patients. But it's a good place to start. Try to find a doctor that has some experience and it's much better to get as much of the styloid taken out as possible. If they believe they only have to take a small piece off, they don't know as much about Eagles as they think they do.

6

Thomas,

It sounds as if you have the same symptoms as many have- there is a survey of symptoms I think you can find under previous discussions which will show you that everything you've mentioned others have. A CT scan will show the styloids better than an MRI. And you can get symptoms one side even if both styloids are long- I think Dr.s don't understand that. You could print out the symptoms as extra evidence if you think you might have a problem getting taken seriously, and also a spreadsheet which Emma has done in previous discussions for doctors recommended by people on this site if you want to find a different doctor.

Good luck! Jules

7

Your symptoms sound somewhat similar to mine. My MD treated me for reflux initially which did nothing. I actually felt the bone in my throat and made him and my ENT feel it…they then looked investigated further with a CT scan. The radiologist did not comment on the elongated styloid, but my ENT re looked at the CT and saw it himself and felt I have Eagles Syndrome. He injected my neck with lidocaine the first time, and a steroid injection the second time. I am trying to control the pain with Ibuprofen, Tylenol and muscles relaxers. I also see an acupuncturist which helps some. I also have an aromatherapy oil mixture that I use at night so I can sleep. BE persistent! You know your own body, and when something is not right. This site is new to me, but has been very helpful! This is a pretty rare condition, and many health care providers aren’t familiar with it. Good luck!

8

Sounds very similar to all of my symptoms. I just got diagnosed a few weeks ago. I’ve seen so many specialists who brushed it off, mainly because they didn’t know much about it. You are absolutely right to go to an ENT. Ask them to send u to get a scan of your neck. Here’s to a good appointment and a diagnosis. Hope u feel better.

9

Hi Kay,
What kind of aromatherapy oil mixture do you use? I can’t sleep AT ALL!



Kay said:

Your symptoms sound somewhat similar to mine. My MD treated me for reflux initially which did nothing. I actually felt the bone in my throat and made him and my ENT feel it…they then looked investigated further with a CT scan. The radiologist did not comment on the elongated styloid, but my ENT re looked at the CT and saw it himself and felt I have Eagles Syndrome. He injected my neck with lidocaine the first time, and a steroid injection the second time. I am trying to control the pain with Ibuprofen, Tylenol and muscles relaxers. I also see an acupuncturist which helps some. I also have an aromatherapy oil mixture that I use at night so I can sleep. BE persistent! You know your own body, and when something is not right. This site is new to me, but has been very helpful! This is a pretty rare condition, and many health care providers aren’t familiar with it. Good luck!

10

Thomas
While you do have a lot of symptoms of those diagnosed with eagles plz also research ernest syndrome and barre-lieou syndrome. Good luck to you!!

11

Kista3: I have a mixture of aromatherapy oils called PastTense, tension blend recommended by my acupuncturist It contains wintergreen lavender peppermint, frankincense, cilantro, marjoram, roman chamomile, basil and rosemary oils. It is the brand doTerra. Are you one of the members in Michigan? I looked up names, but now I can’t remember!!! I blame the pain for the memory issues, not the age. :). Message me if you need more info…you may be able to get it online. Helps me a lot if. I am having a bad night. I also use ice…I tried heat but it seemed to make the nerve type pain worse.

12

Thank you so much! I will definitely look into it! I am in NC. Oh my memory is terrible lol! We will definitely blame the pain! I also use ice a couple of hours before and even while I’m in bed. Its the only thing that seems to calm the pain and palpitations I have.

13

Krista: let me know if you have trouble getting it and I will try and help you out. Are you aware of any Eagles drs at Duke University? Seems like I saw one in the list on the site? I have a nice pack every night on some part of my head…quite a picture I am sure with my ear plugs in, mouth guard on…I am lucky my husband loves me as comical as I must look!

14

Thank you Kay! Yes the doctor I am seeing at Duke now has treated some people in the past. I’m supposed to get surgery on 12/9.
Yes the ice packs are getting me through right now but I only sleep a couple of hours a night. Lol! I know what you mean. At least we have good men that stick by us no matter how ridiculous we may look!

15

Wadams great info... Could be more likely than Eagles. And a BIG THANKS to everyone for their comments. I have a much better idea on what to ask now regarding my issues. Thanks again! I will provide an update after my appointment in the morning with the ENT.

16

krista: I will be praying for relief for you. Hang in there! Keep us posted on your surgery! Have a great Thanksgiving!

17


Thomas said:

Wadams great info... Could be more likely than Eagles. And a BIG THANKS to everyone for their comments. I have a much better idea on what to ask now regarding my issues. Thanks again! I will provide an update after my appointment in the morning with the ENT.

18

Thomas: I would be assertive and request a CT to make sure it is nothing else, and tell the ENT you are concerned it could be Eagle’s syndrome. They can have the radiologist pay particular attention to the sty loud process area. Best wishes!

19

Sounds like what has been going on with me...I agree with HeideMT above...finding the right ENT will be the challenge, but don't give up...hoping you'll get relief and answers. This sight has been a Gods send.

20

Hi Thomas,

Here is the link for Emma's list of doctors who do ES surgery. If there's anyone on the list near enough to you for you get an appointment, it would be your best bet for an accurate diagnosis.

Eagles Syndrome Doctors.xls

Isaiah 40:31