EAGLE SYNDROME

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of Eagle syndrome can vary widely among affected individuals and may include:

• Throat pain: Persistent or intermittent pain in the throat, often worsened by swallowing, speaking, or moving the neck.
• Neck pain: Dull, aching pain in the neck region, typically on one side, extending from the base of the skull to the shoulders.
• Facial pain: Pain or discomfort in the face, jaw, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ), sometimes radiating to the ear or temple.
• Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing, particularly with solid foods, due to compression of the esophagus by the elongated styloid process.
• Foreign body sensation: Feeling of a lump or foreign object in the throat (globus sensation) due to irritation of the pharyngeal mucosa by the elongated styloid process.
• Otalgia: Ear pain or discomfort, sometimes accompanied by tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or dizziness.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosing Eagle syndrome involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and sometimes specialized tests. Diagnostic steps may include:

• Medical history and physical examination: A thorough assessment of symptoms, medical history, and physical examination, including palpation of the throat and neck, may help identify signs of Eagle syndrome.
• Imaging studies: Imaging modalities such as panoramic radiography, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), or lateral cephalograms may be used to visualize the styloid process and assess its length, morphology, and relationship to surrounding structures.
• Diagnostic injections: In some cases, diagnostic injections of local anesthetics or corticosteroids into the region of the elongated styloid process may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and provide temporary pain relief.

TREATMENT

Treatment of Eagle syndrome aims to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Management options may include:

• Conservative measures: Non-surgical approaches such as pain management with analgesic medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, or physical therapy may be recommended to alleviate symptoms.
• Lifestyle modifications: Avoiding exacerbating factors such as vigorous neck movements, prolonged speaking, or consuming hot or spicy foods may help reduce symptoms.
• Intraoral splints: Custom-fitted intraoral splints or mouthguards may be used to stabilize the jaw and relieve pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
• Surgical intervention: In cases where conservative measures fail to provide adequate symptom relief, surgical removal (styloidectomy) or shortening of the elongated styloid process may be considered. Surgical intervention is typically reserved for individuals with severe or refractory symptoms and involves risks and potential complications that should be discussed with a qualified surgeon