Eagle syndrome

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The eagle syndrome is a rare condition where an elongated styloid process (more than 30mm) is in coflict with the adjacent anatomical structures. Two forms of eagle syndrome exists: The classic form and the vascular one.

Symptoms: Patients with the classic "Eagle Syndrome" can present with unilateral sore throat, dysphagia, tinnitus, unilateral facial and neck pain, and otalgia. In patients with the vascular form of "Eagle syndrome", the elongated styloid process is in contact with the extracranial internal carotid artery. This can cause a compression (while turning the head) or a dissection of the carotid artery causing a transient ischemic accident or a stroke.

Diagnosis: Diagnosis is suspected when a patient presents with the symptoms of the classic form of "eagle syndrome" e.g. unilateral neck pain, sore throat or tinnitus. On the exam, one can sometimes palpate the tip of the styloid process in the back of the throat. The diagnosis of the vacular type is more difficult and require an expert opinion. One should have a high level of suspicion, when neurological symptoms occurs upon head rotation. Imaging is important and is diagnostic. Visualizing the styloid process on a CT scan with 3D reconstruction is the best imaging technique. [1]

Treatment: In the classic and vascular form the treatment is surgical. A partial styloidectomy is the preferred approach. Repair of a damaged carotid artery is essential to prevent further neurological complications.