Got diagnosed with Eagle Syndrome. The less common vascular type. I have it on both sides. Here is arrows pointing out the calcified ligament on each side of my neck as it runs alongside the extracranial internal jugular vein. It is worse when turning the head because then it restricts or cuts off blood flow to the head. Here’s what wikipedia says about Eagle Syndrome:
Patients with the classic “Eagle Syndrome” can present with unilateral sore throat, dysphagia, tinnitus, unilateral facial and neck pain, and otalgia.
In patients with the vascular form of “Eagle syndrome”, the elongated styloid process is in contact with the extracranial internal carotid artery. This can cause a compression (while turning the head) or a dissection of the carotid artery causing a transient ischemic event or a stroke.
———————————————-
This explains lots of my symptoms. There is also concern about C1 and C2, but more concern about my tethered cord right now. I was told not to turn my head though. NO range of motion head turning! So, life is good as long as my neck is TIGHT, STRONG, and I DON’T TURN MY HEAD. Great.