Symptoms of Eagle Syndrome – FOCUS online

What is Eagle Syndrome?

Eagle syndrome is a rare disorder of the head and neck. Women are more likely to develop the condition than men, and the age of those affected is usually 30 years or older. The syndrome is characterized by painful symptoms that often occur in the face or neck. These symptoms may be exacerbated by certain head movements, such as when swallowing, chewing or talking. Eagle syndrome, also known in the professional literature as stylohyoid syndrome, styloid syndrome or stylodynia, is usually caused by an elongated or unfavorable position of the styloid process, which is usually about 2.5 cm long. You have to think of it as a short “spine” in the skull that points toward the throat and represents the point of attachment of many ligaments and muscles to the larynx, tongue and jaw. In only about 4-7% of the general population will this process be elongated, and in about 4-10% of these people, this anatomical variation results in the disturbing symptoms of Eagle syndrome. The syndrome gets its name from its first describer, American otolaryngologist Watt Weems Eagle.

What are the symptoms of Eagle syndrome?

The symptoms of Eagle syndrome are varied and can vary widely. The typical symptom is pain on one side of the face or in the jaw and neck area. This pain may also occur in the throat, base of the tongue, or tonsil area. The symptoms can be continuous or occur in stages and are often associated with certain head movements, such as turning. The most common symptoms include:

• Facial pain, usually on one side
• Pain in the lower throat, base of tongue, or tonsils
• Difficulty or pain swallowing
• A feeling of a lump in the throat (globular syndrome)
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and ear pain
• Neck pain
• Headache
• Dizziness

The pain varies from dull to sharp, and can sometimes be made worse by head movement, swallowing, chewing, or talking.

How do symptoms of Eagle syndrome appear?

The symptoms of Eagle’s syndrome have an anatomical cause. Two main causes have been identified: an abnormally long or poorly displaced styloid process and/or ossification of a ligament (the stylohyoid ligament). The styloid process is a spur-like extension underneath the temporal bone that is normally about 2.5 cm long. In those with Eagle’s syndrome, it may be significantly longer or lie at an awkward angle. The band of connective tissue that connects the styloid process to the hyoid bone (the stylohyoid ligament) is normally flexible but may ossify/calcify and cause discomfort.

When these anatomical deviations irritate or constrict adjacent tissues or structures, pain and other symptoms can result. The exact causes of these deviations have not been clearly elucidated, but they may be exacerbated by certain head movements or may become permanent.

Checklist: Do I have Eagle Syndrome?

If you answer “yes” to a few of the following questions, you may have Eagle Syndrome. However, only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis:

• Do you have pain on one side of your face or pain in your jaw and neck?
• Does the pain occur when you swallow, chew, talk, or move your head?
• Do you have a lump in your throat (globular syndrome)?
• Do you suffer from tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or ear pain?
• Do you have neck pain or headaches?
• Do you feel dizzy? Does dizziness start after you move your head frequently?
• Do you have pain in your lower throat, base of tongue, or tonsils?
• Does the pain get worse with certain head movements?
• Is the pain permanent or does it come and go in stages?
• Have you been to the doctor several times but have not received a clear diagnosis?

Because symptoms are often nonspecific and can be confused with other conditions, it may sometimes be necessary to consult other specialists, such as a neurologist, dentist, or oral surgeon, in order to make a correct diagnosis. Affected individuals often visit an orthodontist first, as they suspect the source of the problem lies in the jaw joint. Discuss your suspicions with him or her; evidence of Eagle syndrome can often be seen on 2D X-ray images. Referral is then made to an otolaryngologist for definitive diagnosis and treatment (such as minimally invasive ligament removal).

About Dr. Med. Dent. Moritz Michael Gold

Dr. Med. Dent. Moritz Michael Göde has been working as an orthodontist at the California Smile clinic in Munich and its vicinity for almost three years now. Since the beginning of 2024, the communication scientist, who also studied communication, has been working as site manager for the practice “California Smile – Grafen near Munich”. The certified alternative practitioner is about to complete a part-time master’s degree course in Austria (Master in Orthodontics) as well as additional training in sleep dentistry. In addition to classical orthodontics, his area of ​​expertise, which was formed through international training, is the non-surgical treatment of gummy smiles and airway diseases in children and adults. True to his motto “Humor is the best lubricant for information”, the Lower Franconia native is often seen on the German stage, sharing his knowledge with the audience as a successful scientific indoctrination.

Important Tips: This is general information only and is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. They are in no way a substitute for expert medical advice. If you have any complaints, questions, or uncertainties regarding Eagle Syndrome, always consult a physician. Only a qualified healthcare professional can make an informed diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment for your specific health needs.