Multidisciplinary Management of Eagle Syndrome: From Diagnosis to Treatment

AbstractBackground:Eagle syndrome is a rare clinical entity characterized by a wide spectrum of symptoms, most commonly orofacial pain, dysphagia, and cervical discomfort. These symptoms result from compression and irritation of adjacent neurovascular and soft tissue structures caused by elongation and/or calcification of the styloid process. Despite the importance of a detailed medical history, careful clinical examination, and appropriate imaging modalities, the variability and nonspecific nature of clinical findings often make diagnosis challenging and may lead to delayed or missed diagnosis.Methods:We report the case of a patient who presented to our clinic with clinical complaints suggestive of Eagle syndrome. A comprehensive clinical evaluation was performed, followed by radiological assessment using panoramic radiography and computed tomography. Based on the radiological findings, the patient was referred to the otorhinolaryngology clinic, where the diagnosis of Eagle syndrome was confirmed. The patient subsequently underwent bilateral surgical shortening of the elongated styloid processes.Results:Postoperative clinical follow-up demonstrated a marked improvement in the patient’s symptoms, including a significant increase in maximum mouth opening and relief of orofacial pain. Radiological evaluation at follow-up supported successful surgical management, with no evidence of postoperative complications.Conclusions:Eagle syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with unexplained orofacial pain and related symptoms. A multidisciplinary approach involving oral and maxillofacial radiology, otorhinolaryngology, and appropriate imaging techniques plays a critical role in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.Keywords: eagle syndrome, bruxism, elongated, ct