Korean J Pain.  2013 Apr;26(2):169-172. 10.3344/kjp.2013.26.2.169.

Non Surgical Treatment of Eagle's Syndrome: A Case Report

• Han MK
• Kim DW
• Yang JY

• KMID: 1978663
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2013.26.2.169

Abstract

Eagle's syndrome is a disease without a clear lesion that is associated with repeated episodes of pharyngalgia, odynophagia, the sensation of a foreign body in the pharynx, tinnitus, and otalgia in which patients displaying these types of symptoms must be given a differential diagnosis. It is known to be characterized by styloid process elongation or increasing compression to adjacent anatomical structures through stylohyoid ligament calcification. In serious cases, continuous pressure to the carotid artery can lead to a stroke. Diagnosis is confirmed through clinical symptoms, radiological findings, and physical examinations. The most common type of treatment consists of a surgical excision of elongated styloid process. Nonetheless, this study presents a case of treating Eagle's syndrome with conservative management.

Keyword

Eagle's syndrome; styloid process elongation; stylohyoid ligament calcification

MeSH Terms

Carotid Arteries
Diagnosis, Differential
Earache
Foreign Bodies
Humans
Ligaments
Ossification, Heterotopic
Pharynx
Physical Examination
Sensation
Stroke
Temporal Bone
Tinnitus
Ossification, Heterotopic
Temporal Bone

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Lateral view plain radiograph of cervical spine shows elongated styloid process at left side (white arrow).

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  Fig. 2 Axial CT view shows elongated styloid process at left side (black arrows). (A) Origin, (B) Midportion, (C) Distal portion.

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