Eagle Syndrome-an Incidental Finding in a Case of Maxillofacial Trauma, a Case Report

Abstract

Eagle syndrome is a rare condition that is difficult to diagnose due to the myriad of non-specific symptoms related to orofacial and cervical region and is a result of an abnormal elongation of styloid process causing compression of surrounding nerves or vessels. Patient can present with oropharyngeal, cervical, temporomandibular or auricular pain, globus sensation, dysphagia, transient ischemic attack and syncope. Diagnosis is established by correlating the symptoms with radiologic confirmation. This case report depicts a 50 year old male patient who reported with multiple facial fractures. His radiographs showed a markedly elongated styloid process of the right side and his medical history revealed that he experienced mild dysphagia, transient voice changes and right sided jaw pain occasionally and hence the diagnosis of Eagle syndrome was confirmed during the evaluation of maxillofacial injuries.