Key takeaways
- Eagle syndrome is a rare condition characterized by pain in the face, jaw, or neck. This pain is due to problems with either the styloid process or the stylohyoid ligament.
- Diagnosis can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions. CT scans are usually necessary.
- Treatment typically involves surgically shortening the styloid process (styloidectomy), though medication can manage symptoms if surgery is not an option.
The styloid process is a small, pointy bone just below your ear. The stylohyoid ligament connects it to the hyoid bone in your neck.
Problems with either of these can lead to Eagle syndrome. Symptoms include pain in the face, jaw, or neck.
Read on to learn more about the symptoms and causes of Eagle syndrome.
The main symptom of Eagle syndrome is dull, throbbing pain, usually on one side of your neck or face, especially near your jaw.
The pain may come and go or be constant. It’s often worse when you yawn or move or turn your head. You may also feel the pain radiate toward your ear.
Other symptoms of Eagle syndrome can include:
- headaches
- face pain
- pain when chewing
- difficulty swallowing
- painful swallowing
- feeling like there is something stuck in the throat
- ear pain
- tinnitus
Eagle syndrome is caused by either an unusually long styloid process or a calcified stylohyoid ligament. Doctors aren’t sure about what causes either one of these.
Does Eagle syndrome run in families?
Healthcare professionals do not consider Eagle syndrome to be hereditary. However, a 2012 article explains that hardening of the stylohyoid ligament may run in some families.
If you have a family member with Eagle syndrome, you may wish to speak with a healthcare professional to discuss your risk.
How common is Eagle syndrome?
Eagle syndrome is a rare condition.
While it is unclear exactly how many people experience the condition, a 2024 case report explains that, among the 4% of the general population with a styloid process longer than 3 centimeters, only about 4% will have symptoms of Eagle syndrome.
While it can affect anybody, it’s more common after the age of
Diagnosing Eagle syndrome is difficult because it shares symptoms with many other conditions.
A healthcare professional will usually start by performing a physical examination, which will likely include feeling your head and neck for any signs of an unusually long styloid process.
They may then order a CT scan to get a better view of the area around your styloid process and stylohyoid ligament.
You might be referred to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, who can help you rule out any other conditions that could be causing the symptoms.
Eagle syndrome is often treatable by shortening the styloid process with surgery. This is with a procedure known as styloidectomy.
Your surgeon may need to remove your tonsils to access your styloid process. They may also be able to access it through an opening in your neck, but this usually leaves a large scar.
The surgeon may perform the styloidectomy using an endoscope. Endoscopy involves inserting a small camera at the end of a long, thin tube through the mouth or other small opening.
If you have other conditions that may increase the risk of complications from the surgery, you may be able to manage the symptoms of Eagle syndrome with several types of medication,
- nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- antidepressants
- anticonvulsants
- steroid and lidocaine injections
- local anesthetics
In rare cases, Eagle syndrome may lead to a stroke. Seek immediate emergency care if you suddenly experience any of these symptoms:
- headache
- weakness
- loss of balance
- changes in vision
- confusion
It is important to contact a doctor as soon as there are concerns about the symptoms of Eagle syndrome.
As there are numerous possible causes of symptoms such as face pain and swallowing problems, it is essential to undergo tests to receive an accurate diagnosis.
Eagle syndrome is a rare condition that causes pain in the face, jaw, and neck. It usually happens on one side of the face, but in some cases it can develop on both sides.
Other symptoms of Eagle syndrome include swallowing and chewing difficulties, ear pain, tinnitus, and headaches. A doctor may order a CT scan to help determine the cause of the symptoms.
A surgeon may perform styloidectomy to shorten the styloid process. Medications such as NSAIDs, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and steroids can help manage symptoms.