Diagnosis and timely surgical intervention for Eagle Syndrome. Case report

Abstract

Introduction: Eagle syndrome is a rare disease caused by elongation of the styloid process; characterized by chronic pain. Eagle Syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnoses of head and neck pathologies.

Objective: Describe the clinical-surgical case of a patient diagnosed with Eagle Syndrome, strengthening the need for a clear diagnostic evaluation, in conjunction with the symptoms and complementary imaging examinations, for timely management and surgical treatment.

Case presentation: The case report of a 43-year-old patient who presented chronic neck pain is presented; receiving multiple painkillers, the extraction of all his teeth and decompression of Arnold's nerve, without improvement. Through a simple and 3D computed tomography, the elongation of the styloid process was evident, therefore, it was decided to perform its excision, eliminating pain, in the immediate postoperative period.

Discussion: A clinical picture characterized by neck pain, foreign body sensation in the oropharynx or odynophagia, is a non-specific symptomatology but suggestive of certain pathologies, such as Eagle Syndrome. However, routine imaging examinations should not be requested without a good prior history.

Conclusions: After performing a good physical examination and exhausting clinical treatment, in patients who persist with odynophagia, neck pain and foreign body sensation in the oropharynx, Eagle Syndrome should be considered.