Eagle syndrome – An overview

Kavitaa Nedunchezhian

doi:10.4102/sajr.v21i1.1247

Abstract

Eagle syndrome represents symptoms brought about by compression of vital neurovascular and muscular elements adjoining the styloid process because of the elongation of styloid process or ossification of the stylohyoid or stylomandibular ligament. It is crucial for dentists, otolaryngologists and neurologists to be aware of the elongation of the styloid process and associated signs and symptoms. This article reviews the aetiopathogenesis, classification, investigative procedures and treatment modalities associated with Eagle syndrome.

Highlights

Eagle syndrome (ES) or stylohyoid syndrome is a rare condition that occurs because of the elongation of the styloid process or calcification of the stylohyoid ligament, characterised by painful sensation in the head and neck region.[1]
Eagle reported over 200 cases in a 20-year study process and explained that the normal styloid process is approximately 2.5 cm – 3.0 cm in length
An elongated styloid process can be palpated along the tonsillar fossa with the index finger, eliciting or reproducing pain, and injecting a local anaesthetic solution can relieve pain

Summary

Introduction

Eagle syndrome (ES) or stylohyoid syndrome is a rare condition that occurs because of the elongation of the styloid process or calcification of the stylohyoid ligament, characterised by painful sensation in the head and neck region.[1]. Eagle hypothesised that the syndrome has two types: the classic type and the carotid artery type These types were elucidated in the studies of Breault[6] and Lorman and Biggs.[7] The classic type is often noticed in patients with a history of tonsillectomy and arises secondary to the stimulation of the trigeminal (fifth), facial (seventh), glossopharyngeal (ninth) and vagus http://www.sajr.org.za. Classification of elongation of styloid process based on type of calcification: http://www.sajr.org.za. Some of the differential diagnoses includes laryngopharyngeal dysesthesia, third molar impaction or dental-related pain, neuralgia of the sphenopalatine ganglia, glossopharyngeal and trigeminal nerve, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs), chronic tonsillo-pharyngitis, hyoid bursitis, Sluder’s syndrome, cluster-type headache, migraine, atypical facial pain, oesophageal diverticula, temporal arteritis, cervical vertebral arthritis and benign or malignant neoplasms.[13]

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Discussion

Conclusion