Abstract
Painful disorders in the maxillofacial region are common in dental practice. Most of these conditions are not properly diagnosed because of inadequate knowledge of craniofacial and cervico-pharyngeal syndromes such as Eagle Syndrome. The aim of this review is to describe the general aspects, diagnosis and treatment of Eagle syndrome. Eagle syndrome or stylohyoid syndrome was first described by Watt W. Eagle in 1937. It was defined as orofacial pain related to the elongation of the styloid process and ligament stylohyoid calcification. The condition is accompanied by symptoms such as dysphonia, dysphagia, sore throat, glossitis, earache, tonsillitis, facial pain, headache, pain in the temporomandibular joint and inability to perform lateral movements of the neck. Diagnosis and treatment of Eagle syndrome based on symptoms and radiographic examination of the patient will determine the need for surgical or nonsurgical treatment. Eagle syndrome is a complex disorder demanding a thorough knowledge of its signs and symptoms to make a correct diagnosis and provide an appropriate subsequent treatment. Disseminating information about this syndrome among medical-dental professionals is essential to provide adequate dental care to patients.
Highlights
The aim of this review is to describe the general aspects, diagnosis and treatment of Eagle syndrome
Eagle syndrome is a complex disorder demanding a thorough knowledge of its signs and symptoms to make a correct diagnosis and provide an appropriate subsequent treatment
Eagle Syndrome (ES) or Stylohyoid syndrome is an unusual pathology of the head and neck, which produces orofacial pain
Summary
Eagle Syndrome (ES) or Stylohyoid syndrome is an unusual pathology of the head and neck, which produces orofacial pain. Eagle in 1937,28-30 who defines it as the relationship between the elongation of the styloid process and the calcification of the stylohyoid ligament resulting in pain related to the cranial and sensory nerves of the oropharynx, neck and ear. This syndrome has three historical periods: the first one began 364 years ago with the first report of ossification of the stylohyoid process reported by Marchetti in 1652.7,8,10,19,23 Two centuries later, in 1852, Demanchetis[2,5] describes a calcified stylohyoid ligament. The second period corresponds to the development of radiographic diagnosis, when Grossman correlates pains of the stylohyoid complex, including dysphagia, otalgia, estilalgia, headache, pain in the temporomandibular joint, and various forms of facial pain, with elongation of styloid process.[1,16] The third period corresponds to the development of panoramic radiography and computed tomography, which allow better visualization of various structures of the maxillofacial complex.[31,33,34]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
