[Eagle syndrome: a rare and atypical pain!]

Abstract

The styloid process projects down and forward from the inferior surface of the petrous bone. It arises from the second branchial arch. Its average length ranges from 22 to 33 mm. The styloid process hypertrophy, or Eagle syndrome, may be a source of cervicofacial pain and is very difficult to diagnose. The pathogenesis of this abnormality is unknown. Traumatic origin is usually admitted even if recent embryological data suggest a genetic origin with interindividual variations. The diagnosis is made on several elements: exacerbated cervical pain on neck hyperextension and sudden head movements, typical pain caused by palpation of the tonsillar fossa, diagnostic test with xylocain, and radiological investigation. Treatment is surgery and exeresis of the styloid process via a transoral or cervical approach.