Eagle syndrome as a rare cause of recurrent neck pain: a case report

Eagle syndrome is defined as the constellation of signs and symptoms caused by an elongated styloid process or calcification of the stylohyoid ligament. It is a rare condition that occurs secondary to irritation or compression of surrounding structures due to the abnormal styloid process. Clinical manifestations are variable and may include neck pain, dysphagia, odynophagia, and a foreign body sensation. Although neck pain is a common and significant problem in the outpatient setting, Eagle syndrome is an exceedingly rare cause that is not often considered in the differential diagnosis of cervical pain. We report a case of Eagle syndrome presenting as recurrent neck pain in a young woman. We discuss Eagle syndrome as a rare differential diagnosis for recurrent neck pain and the diagnostic challenges this condition may pose. Eagle syndrome is a rare entity with a challenging diagnosis. Despite being an exceedingly rare cause of cervical pain, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrent neck pain.