Hi

Thanks for posting the query

After going through the reports and the history, I do feel, you could be suffering from the problems related to lower cranial nerves.

The hardware over the vertebra could be compressing over the lower cranial nerves thus causing the symptoms of relux, hoarseness and ear problems. Secondly, the choking is also related to the former problem, wherein, there is loss of sensation over the superior part of the vocal cords leading to aspiration of the secretions and thus inducing cough.

Eventhough, both the barium swallow and the CT scan shows no significant problems, it is advisable to get the lower most hardware removed, to prevent the complications.

Also, you need to consult an ENT specialist for a thorough evaluation of the vocal cords and the lower cranial nerves.

Hope this answers your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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Hi

Thanks for writing back

Yes, it would be beneficial if the hard ware is removed, as this is the main cause of all your problems. This will also relieve the pressure over the lower cranial nerves (if any) and improve the present condition. Even the headache and the pain between the shoulder blades is due to the compression of the nerves by the hard ware. Hence, removing the hardware will certainly benefit you.

Wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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Hi

Welcome back

Lower cranial nerves are the ones which supply the sensation and taste to the back of the throat. Sensory and motor functions of the region from the soft palate to the area below the level of vocal cords.

Any compression or damage to the nerves can cause loss of sensation and fuction of the soft palate, altered taste, regurgitation of the liquids into the back of the nose, frequent aspiration due to loss of sensation over the superior surface of the vocal cords, etc.

The damage or compression can take place anywhere from the exit of the nerves from the brain to the area of supply.

For additional information please refer to the link below;
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Regrads
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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Hi

Thanks for writing back

Yes, if the hardware is protruding into the lateral groove between the trachea and the esophagus, it can compress over the lower craial nerves thus causing the above symptoms and the removal of the same will cease the problems.

But, if there is any surgically induced damage to the nerves, then even after removal of the hardware, the symptoms may not improve.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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Hi

Thanks for writing back

Do not worry! With the removal of the implant the pain should subside. It is unusal for the pain to persist even after removal of the hardware as there will be no compression factor present.

If the pain persists even after removal fo the implant then it could be some other neurological factor associated with it, which requires further evaluation.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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