Abstract

Background: Styloid process elongation or stylohyoid ligament calcification can cause multiple symptoms such as dysphagia, facial pain, globus sensation, referred otalgia and headache.Conglomeration of these symptoms is termed as Eagle’s syndrome.It could be unilateral or bilateral. Since the symptoms mimic several other orofacial pains and neuralgia, the diagnosis must be made through a thorough history, adept clinical examination, and various imaging modalities. Methods: This article reports 5 cases of Eagle Syndrome. All the patients presented with complaints of chronic throat pain radiating to neck which did not relieve on taking medications, for the same they have been consulting multiple specialities. The diagnosis of Eagle Syndrome was confirmed by palpationin tonsillar fossa and orthopantomogram revealed enlarged styloid process measuring more than 30mm. Upon confirmation, all the 5 patients underwent tonsillo-styloidectomy. Result: All 5 cases diagnosed as Eagles syndromeachieved a definitive benefit by tonsillostyloidectomy surgery. Conclusion: Eagle Syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion and should raise high index of suspicion in patients with nonspecific throat and neck pain not responding to any conservative treatment. With an increasing incidence of side effects following injudicious treatment given in such cases, this condition requires attention, as it is a rare entity and often misdiagnosed

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