Eagle's syndrome: a case of symptomatic calcification of the stylohyoid ligaments

Abstract

A case of symptomatic calcification of the stylohyoid ligaments is described. The patient presented with head and neck pain, with the neck pain being reproduced by palpation of the styloid process through the tonsillar fossa. Calcification or ossification of the stylohyoid ligament is a frequent, often incidental finding on radiographs, however when the source of pain is from the styloid process or calcified stylohyoid ligaments it is referred to as Eagle's syndrome. The symptoms may be confused with other causes of head and neck pain. This paper also discusses the pain patterns, clinical presentation, radiologic findings and treatment of Eagle's syndrome.