Eagle

Eagle syndrome is a rare medical condition characterized by recurrent pain in the oropharynx and face due to an elongated styloid process or calcified stylohyoid ligament. The syndrome was first described by Watt W. Eagle in 1937.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Eagle syndrome can vary greatly from person to person, but they often include:

• Pain in the throat or neck
• Difficulty swallowing
• A feeling of a foreign body in the throat
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Ear pain

Causes

Eagle syndrome is typically caused by an elongated styloid process or a calcified stylohyoid ligament. The styloid process is a bony structure that is located on the temporal bone of the skull, and the stylohyoid ligament is a small ligament that connects the styloid process to the hyoid bone in the neck. When these structures are elongated or calcified, they can cause irritation and inflammation in the surrounding tissues, leading to the symptoms of Eagle syndrome.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Eagle syndrome is typically made based on the patient's symptoms and a physical examination. Imaging studies, such as a CT scan or an MRI, may also be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

The treatment of Eagle syndrome typically involves a combination of medication and physical therapy. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the elongated styloid process or calcified stylohyoid ligament.

See also

• Styloid process
• Stylohyoid ligament
• Temporal bone
• Hyoid bone

References

Eagle Resources
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