Eagle’s syndrome (Elongated styloid process) an unrecognized rare cause of neck pain: A case illustration

Abstract

Eagle syndrome is a rare condition characterized by an abnormally elongated styloid process with or without abnormal direction and/or ossification of the styloid ligament. 45-year-old men with the complaint of left-sided neck pain below the ear for 3 years. The diagnosis of cervical arthrosis was made and physiotherapy was advised for 2 years. Three-dimensional Computed tomography scan revealed bilateral elongated styloid processes: both styloid processes were found to be longer than normal. No vascular compression was documented. Surgery was advised but the patient has refused. The management was conservative with non-steroid analgesics and antalgics. These symptoms are not specific because the symptoms related to this condition can be confused with those attributed to a wide variety of disorders including facial neuralgias, oral, otologic, and spinal diseases. Diagnosis is made with appropriate radiological examination specially cranial 3D CT scan. The treatment of Eagle's syndrome is primarily surgical. The styloid process can be shortened through an intraoral or external approach. Neurosurgeons, Otolaryngologists, and dental surgeons should be aware of the existence and incidence of this clinical entity, which is associated with reduced quality of life.