Diagnosis and treatment of Eagle's syndrome

Eagle's syndrome is the symptomatic elongation of the styloid process of the temporal bone. It is an uncommon clinical entity that often causes vague and seemingly inconsistent symptoms. The pain associated with this syndrome is relieved by amputation of the elongated portion of the styloid process. The regional anatomy and possible causes of the pain were discussed. An improvement in the surgical approach, which aids in visualization and assures the retraction and deflection of significant adjacent anatomical structures, has been suggested. Three cases were presented that had varying symptoms but apparently common etiologies. This syndrome should be considered when considering the differential diagnosis of facial pain.