Eagle’s syndrome in tertiary health institution, southern region of Nigeria

Abstract

Eagle’s syndrome is a condition caused by elongation of the styloid process or ossification of the styloid ligament resulting in non-specific symptoms related to pressure on vital blood vessels of the neck, the internal carotid artery, internal jugular vein, and nerves; the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves. Eagle’s syndrome may have varied presentations with numerous symptoms: Pain in the throat/neck radiating to the ear and pharynx, foreign body sensation in the throat, dysphagia, otalgia, trismus, and intense facial pain. A high index of suspicion with a prompt resort to a three-dimensional CT skull could be helpful to give a quick diagnosis of Eagle’s syndrome amid numerous differential diagnoses. We present a 59-year-old male with an 18-month history of left-sided neck pain, cheek pain, and the feeling of a foreign body in the throat. He had pain relievers and other drugs to no avail. A three-dimensional CT scan of his skull revealed features of Eagle’s syndrome. The excision of the styloid process through the extraoral route relieves his symptoms. The second patient is a 42-year-old female with symptoms of peptic ulcer disease, dysphagia, pain in the throat, and sometimes fainting attacks when she moves her neck swiftly to the left side. A three-dimensional CT skull scan confirmed features of an elongated styloid process bilaterally suggestive of Eagle’s syndrome. Treatment offered to her was conservative, with a diclofenac suppository only because she refused surgery. Restricted and limited neck movement relieved her of syncope attacks.