Transient Facial Nerve Palsy Following Glossopharyngeal Nerve Block in Eagle Syndrome: A Rare Case Report

Abstract Eagle syndrome is a rare cause of glossopharyngeal neuralgia that results from an elongated styloid process impinging on cranial nerve IX. While surgical resection of the styloid process remains the definitive treatment, minimally invasive procedures such as glossopharyngeal nerve blocks are often used to provide symptomatic relief. We describe a patient with Eagle syndrome who underwent an ultrasound-guided glossopharyngeal nerve block for pain management. Immediately following the procedure, the patient developed transient peripheral facial nerve palsy. The facial weakness resolved spontaneously within a few hours without requiring any intervention. This case highlights a rare complication of glossopharyngeal nerve block in the setting of Eagle syndrome. Awareness of potential anatomical variations and inadvertent local anesthetic spread is essential. Clinicians should recognize this possibility, counsel patients beforehand, and adopt strategies to reduce the risk of such adverse effects.