Surreal illustration of an elongated styloid process in a human neck, symbolizing Eagle's Syndrome.

Eagle's Syndrome: A Comprehensive Guide to Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Effective Treatments

Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Navigate the complexities of Eagle's Syndrome with insights into identifying symptoms and exploring surgical and non-surgical solutions for lasting relief."

Eagle's Syndrome, first identified in 1937, encompasses a variety of symptoms affecting the cervicopharyngeal region. This condition occurs when patients experience neck pain, globus sensation (the feeling of a lump in the throat), difficulty turning the head, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), or other discomforts. These symptoms are often linked to an elongation or enlargement of the styloid bone, or calcification of the stylohyoid ligament.

While radiographic findings might reveal styloid elongation or abnormalities, only a small fraction of those with these findings will actually experience symptoms. The challenge lies in identifying and effectively treating those who do.

Since Dr. Eagle's original work, styloidectomy—surgical removal of the styloid process—has become a well-documented treatment for alleviating Eagle's Syndrome symptoms. However, there remains a need for more information on optimal patient selection and formalized outcome tracking. This guide provides insights from a recent five-year study on patients undergoing styloidectomy for Eagle's Syndrome.

Understanding Eagle's Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Demographics

Surreal illustration of an elongated styloid process in a human neck, symbolizing Eagle's Syndrome.

A retrospective review was conducted, examining data from 32 patients who underwent styloidectomy for Eagle's Syndrome between November 2010 and June 2015. The data collected included age, sex, race, BMI, affected side, and tonsillectomy history. In addition to the retrospective data, a prospective survey was administered to patients undergoing surgery for Eagle's Syndrome from late 2013 through June 2015. This survey utilized a scale to assess 17 symptoms, ranging from 0 (no problem) to 4 (problem as bad as it can be).

Here’s a summary of what the research revealed:

Demographics: The majority of patients were female (68.8%) and Caucasian (90.6%). The mean age was 46.0 years, with a mean BMI of 26.1 kg/m². A history of tonsillectomy was reported in 31.3% of patients.
Common Symptoms: The most severe preoperative symptoms included neck pain, otalgia (ear pain), globus sensation, facial pain, headache, and discomfort when turning the neck.
Styloid Length: The average styloid length was 45.3 mm.

The research indicates that patients with Eagle's Syndrome are more likely to be female and Caucasian, with a BMI in the near-normal range. The wide variety of symptoms underscores the complexity of diagnosis, but nearly all patients showed improvement after styloidectomy.

Making Informed Decisions About Eagle's Syndrome Treatment

This study confirms that styloidectomy can effectively and reliably improve symptoms associated with Eagle's Syndrome when patients are appropriately selected. If you are experiencing symptoms such as neck pain, difficulty swallowing, or globus sensation, consult with a healthcare professional to explore diagnostic and treatment options.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1177/0003489418816999, Alternate LINK

Title: Surgical Management Of Stylohyoid Pain (Eagle’S) Syndrome: A 5-Year Experience

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Authors: Candace M. Waters, Sandra Ho, Adam Luginbuhl, Joseph M. Curry, David M. Cognetti

Published: 2018-12-10

Everything You Need To Know

What is Eagle's Syndrome and what causes it?

Eagle's Syndrome is a condition characterized by symptoms such as neck pain, globus sensation, difficulty turning the head, and dysphagia. These symptoms arise from an elongated or enlarged styloid bone, or calcification of the stylohyoid ligament. This is significant because it can cause considerable discomfort and impact a patient's quality of life. The implications include the need for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment options to provide relief from the symptoms.

What are the typical symptoms of Eagle's Syndrome?

The most common symptoms associated with Eagle's Syndrome include neck pain, otalgia (ear pain), globus sensation (feeling of a lump in the throat), facial pain, headache, and discomfort when turning the neck. These symptoms occur due to the styloid bone's elongation or enlargement, or calcification of the stylohyoid ligament, which can irritate surrounding tissues and nerves in the cervicopharyngeal region. This underscores the need for detailed patient assessment to ensure correct diagnosis.

What is styloidectomy, and why is it important?

Styloidectomy is a surgical procedure where the styloid process, an elongated or enlarged bone, is removed. This treatment is significant because it has been shown to effectively alleviate the symptoms of Eagle's Syndrome, such as neck pain, dysphagia, and globus sensation. The implications are that it offers a potential long-term solution for those suffering from the condition, improving their quality of life.

What is the typical patient profile for someone with this condition?

The demographics observed in a recent study indicate that patients with Eagle's Syndrome are more likely to be female and Caucasian, with an average age of 46 years. This information helps in understanding the prevalence and potential risk factors associated with the condition. The implications of these findings include the importance of considering these demographic factors during the diagnosis and treatment processes, allowing for a more tailored approach to patient care.

When should someone seek medical attention for a possible diagnosis?

If you are experiencing symptoms such as neck pain, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), or a globus sensation (feeling of a lump in the throat), it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. These symptoms could indicate Eagle's Syndrome, which is often linked to an elongated or enlarged styloid bone. Consulting with a healthcare professional will enable the exploration of diagnostic methods and treatment options, such as styloidectomy, to provide relief and improve your overall well-being.