Eagle Syndrome

Eagle syndrome is a relatively rare disorder  characterized by a calcified stylohyoid ligament or elongated styloid process resulting in multitude of otolaryngological symptoms. Eagle syndrome derives it name from Watt Weems Eagle an Amercian Otolaryngologist who was born in 1898. He first published his data in 1937 with a series of 200 patients presenting with symptoms related to a calcified stylohyoid ligament or elongated styloid process. These symptoms include a pharyngeal foreign body sensation, dysphagia, pain on head rotation, otalgia, dizziness and headaches. The symptoms are attributed to impingement of the glossopharyngeal nerve as it runs close to the styloid process and calcified ligament.1 An elongated or calcified stylohyoid ligament does not necessarily indicate Eagle syndrome. The diagnosis is made on the basis of history and exacerbation of pain on palpation of the tonsillar fossa. Another test of diagnostic, and  therapeutic benefit, is that of injecting local anaesthetic into the tonsillar fossa,  resulting in diminished symptoms.