My Cervical Xrays Show The Mastoid Bone On The Left Being Quite Elevated When Compared To The Right One. Any Idea What May Cause This?

Posted on Thu, 9 Nov 2023

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 9 Nov 2023 Answered on

Fri, 9 Feb 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : My cervical xrays show the mastoid bone on the left being quite elevated when compared to the right one. Any idea what may cause this? Would a trauma from a fall possibly cause it?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
could be because of neck tilt.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have read your question . and as per my understanding , Mastoids are normally at the same level , except minor differences depending upon individuals.
Trauma ,unless it is fracture mastoids- which is rare , is unlikely to cause any changes in the level of mastoid bone.
If the discrepancy is noted in cervical spine x rays , then possibly it is related to tilt in the cervical spine.
I can comment further , if you share the original report or X rays.
Thanks for the question. I hope to have answered your question. Please feel free to ask any other question.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. LAKSHMI

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (3 days later)

Thank you for your response. A year ago I passed out getting out of bed, and landed with my left side up against the wall. I have been having issues for over a year. Recently was diagnosed with ATOS due to a cervical rib (on the Left side, as well as, the C1-C2 was misaligned (per my Chiropractor). I have been going to PT for the ATOS, and some issues have gotten better. But new symptoms have started to evolve (ie jaw pain, headaches at base of skull behind left ear). I have had previous bouts of L ear pain and L eye twitches. The radiologist report has missed several of issues (cervical rib being one of them). I would greatly appreciate any help at this point. How do I send images? Thank you again.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Pl take pics of x rays and attach them

Detailed Answer:
Hi I am Dr.Gopal Goel, Orthopedic Surgeon.
I am sorry to know about your medical condition.
Please take pics of X rays , when viewed through the view box. And attach them with this mail, so that we can see them.
Thanks for the question.
Gopal Goel

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (13 hours later)

I have attached AP C-Spine Xray. This system would not allow more then 1 at a time. (Or I was unable to figure it out) Thank you for any help

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The mastoids are nearly at same levels.

Detailed Answer:
Hi I am Dr Gopal Goel, Orthopedic Surgeon.
I have seen the x rays and there is hardly any change in the mastoid levels
I suggest that you Ignore these x rays for any mastoid discrepancy.
Thanks for the question
Pl feel free to ask any other question.
Dr.Gopal Goel

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Saisudha Kotla

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (39 hours later)

Thank you for taking the time to review. I am concerned about something being missed on the Xrays. I have had prior issues of tightness in the throat (gag reflex), tightness in the jaw, ear pain, left eye, tenderness in TMJ area, and the my jaw being uneven. I am questioning the stylohoid area (Eagles or XXXXXXX syndrome). Is there an area I should be looking at in the Xrays.?
Thank you very much

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Not much Orthopedic Problem.

Detailed Answer:
Hi I am Dr Gopal Goel Orthopedic Surgeon.
I have gone through the x rays again but was unable to find any significant change from Orthopedic point of view( which I am Accustomed to see)
For any other changes you should refer to Radiologist's report.
Thanks again
Dr Gopal Goel

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana