Don’t let the name mislead you: Eagle Syndrome has nothing to do with birds. Instead, it’s a rare and often puzzling disorder that can make simple actions like talking or swallowing unexpectedly painful.
Named after the doctor who first described it, Eagle Syndrome is proof that even the smallest bones can have the loudest impact.
Read more to understand what causes this uncommon disorder, other symptoms to look for, and what treatment can help relieve discomfort. Scroll Down.
What Is Eagle Syndrome?
This disorder was named after Dr. Watt Eagle, who identified and described it in the 1930s. It is also called styloid syndrome, stylohyoid syndrome, or styloid-carotid artery syndrome.
People with this syndrome often complain about having pain in their throat, jaw, or ear, which is frequently mistaken for other conditions such as tonsillitis or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Eagle syndrome causes are not fully understood, but as per StatPearls, a few factors that may contribute to it are:
- Elongated styloid process: The Styloid process is a long, slender bone that projects from the temporal bone of the skull, just below the ear. When the styloid process is longer than 25mm, this disorder can occur, as per NCBI.
- Calcification of the stylohyoid ligament: It is the fibrous cord that connects the styloid process of the temporal bone. Calcification of this ligament can make it stiff and increase pressure.
- Previous throat surgery or trauma: Tonsillectomy or neck injury may trigger the condition.
- Genetic factors: People with a peculiar bone structure may be prone to this syndrome.
There are two types of this syndrome:
- Classic type: This leads to nerve-related pain and throat discomfort.
- Vascular type: When the elongated bone compresses blood vessels, it can cause headache and dizziness.
Common Eagle Syndrome Symptoms
The pain due to this syndrome typically worsens when swallowing, yawning, or turning the head.
The symptoms can differ in intensity but typically include:
- Throat or neck pain that radiates to the ear or jaw
- A feeling of something stuck in the throat
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Facial pain or headaches
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or dizziness
- Pain when turning the head or opening the mouth
If you’re wondering, “Is Eagle Syndrome life threatening?”, the answer is no. However, it should never be ignored if symptoms worsen or new complications appear.
Treatment Options
The symptoms may also differ based on the types of Eagle Syndrome ICD 10 code, depending on the physical characteristics causing the issue. A medical professional may conduct diagnostic tests, such as radiography, based on your symptoms and suggest a suitable treatment.
Both surgical and non-surgical Eagle syndrome treatments are available, such as:
- Painkillers: Over-the-counter painkillers such as anti-inflammatory medications, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants are often prescribed.
- Physical therapy: Movement and posture-correction exercises can help relieve muscle strain around the jaw and throat.
- Steroid injections: These injections reduce inflammation around the styloid process and provide temporary relief.
- Surgery: The final resort is the surgery called styloidectomy, which involves shortening or removing the elongated bone.
The Eagle Syndrome surgery recovery time usually ranges from 2 to 4 weeks, and you may experience mild soreness or swelling. Full recovery and tissue healing can take a few months.
Read More: Know the Diaphoresis Meaning and Its Causes
To Sum Up
Eagle Syndrome can be caused by the elongated styloid process, calcified stylohyoid ligament, or previous surgery. This can cause significant pain that impacts daily life. If you experience persistent throat, ear, or neck pain without a clear cause, it is advised to consult an ENT specialist. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are necessary to improve the quality of life and prevent complications.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Eagle Syndrome
What causes Eagle syndrome?
It is caused by an elongated styloid process protruding into the throat, resulting in discomfort. Calcification of the ligament supporting this bone and inflammation in this area can worsen symptoms.
Can Eagle syndrome be caused by trauma?
Yes. Physical trauma due to accidents and a blow to the neck can fracture or dislocate the styloid bone and lead to this syndrome.
What to avoid with Eagle syndrome?
If you have Eagle syndrome, avoid activities that put stress on the neck and the jaw. Such as bending the neck with jerky movements, looking down at phones for too long, excessive chewing, etc.
Can Eagle syndrome be cured without surgery?
Yes, mild cases can be managed without surgery with pain relief medications, steroids, or anaesthetic injections. Physical therapy often helps control symptoms. However, if pain persists, styloidectomy surgery is the final and most effective treatment for fixing this syndrome.
How to fix Eagle’s syndrome?
You can relieve pain and discomfort with painkillers, anti-inflammatory injections, and physical therapy.
Are Eagle Barret syndrome and Eagle syndrome the same?
No. Both disorders are different. Eagle-Barrett syndrome is a digestive issue, while the latter affects the neck and jaw.
