OBJECTIVE: Eagle's syndrome (ES) or symptomatic elongated styloid process is an uncommon but important cause of chronic head and neck pain. This study reports our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of a series of patients with ES.
STUDY DESIGN: Patient histories, radiographic tests, and operative reports of 3 patients over a 3-month period were prospectively collected.
SETTING: Tertiary referral otolaryngology service.
RESULTS: All patients had resolution of symptoms relating to their elongated styloid processes after surgical resection.
CONCLUSION: Although sometimes clouded by coexisting symptoms, ES can be easily diagnosed based on good history taking and physical examination. If diagnosed appropriately, surgical treatment can be administered promptly.
SIGNIFICANCE: Patients with ES commonly have a long history of chronic pain treated by multiple physicians. Appropriate diagnosis can lead to prompt treatment of this condition.
EBM rating: C-4
© 2006 American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.
