Hi Callmestar1!
The symptoms you’re describing sound very suspiciously like a calcified stylohyoid ligament. When the s-h ligament(s) partially or fully calcify, they tether the hyoid bone on one or both sides depending on whether you have bilateral or unilateral calcification. The hyoid bone needs to move freely when you talk, swallow, breathe, etc. When the hyoid is tethered by a calcified ligament, obviously it can’t move as it needs to & the result is the click/clunk you experience & even potentially the tightening of throat muscles as they try to compensate for lack of hyoid movement. You have been a good sleuth in noticing that you can feel the ligament on the right side but not left, that the usual up/down motion of swallowing seems inhibited, & also in observing that symptoms are worse when your head is in certain positions. There are several cranial nerves that come out of the skull near the base of the styloids & run through the area of the neck where the styloids & s-h ligaments are. Irritation of these is the common source of ES symptoms. Your throat numbness/contraction is most likely coming from an annoyed vagus nerve. The ringing in your ear could be from irritation of the trigeminal nerve or another cranial nerve affecting that area. Though I haven’t heard of ES causing diabetes insipidus (with which I am familiar), it’s not impossible that your body is sufficiently stressed by your current condition that it is now responding with bigger problems.
Eagle Syndrome is defined as 1) elongation of the styloid process(es) OR 2) calcification of the stylohyoid ligament(s) OR 3) a combination of #1 & #2. The best diagnostic tool for ES is a CT scan without contrast. It will need to be of the area between the skull base & the hyoid bone. CTs w/ contrast will show the soft tissues better & are best to detect vascular compression caused by ES. In your case a plain CT scan would work as your symptoms don’t currently sound vascular in nature. Of the other scans you’ve had, only the MRI could possibly show if your ligament is calcified, but someone “in the know” would need to look for that specifically & make an evaluation. MRIs are best for showing soft tissues, however. CT scans are best for all things calcified/solid tissues. Your biggest problem will be finding a doctor in your area who knows about ES & understands the best course for surgery to correct it. We’ve had several people from London on our forum in the past couple of years most of whom have traveled out of area to see Mr Axon or others listed on our Doctors’ List. You can use the search icon to find more information regarding doctors in London area who might be able to help you.
Here is the link to the Doctors List for doctors outside the US:
https://forum.livingwitheagle.org/t/doctors-familiar-with-es-countries-outside-us/4753
I hope this info helps you!
