Own experience in the diagnosis and treatment of elongated styloid process syndrome

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> The aim of the study was to present selected cases with Eagle’s syndrome diagnosed and treated at the Department of Otolaryngology, Laryngological Oncology, Audiology and Phoniatrics, Medical University of Lodz, in the years 2016–2020. <br><b>Material and method:</b> Five selected clinical cases with Eagle’s syndrome are presented, including three male patients and two female patients, aged 28 to 42 years. <br><b>Results:</b> The prevalence of Eagle’s syndrome was similar for both female and male patients. The carotid artery syndrome, which is characterized by: visual disturbances, unilateral pain located along cervical vessels, headache and migraine, was more common. Lack of proper diagnosis of Eagle’s syndrome often significantly delays the implementation of proper treatment and thus exposes patients to long-term struggle with pain. Our observations have shown that the time between the onset of symptoms and correct diagnosis in patients averaged about five years. 3D-CT scan is the gold standard for detecting Eagle’s syndrome. An intraoral approach was used in surgical treatment. Although this approach offers shorter treatment time and better cosmetic effect, there is also a greater risk of complications associated with limited visibility of the surgical field and infection. <br><b>Conclusions:</b> Although styloid syndrome usually occurs bilaterally, these patients reported unilateral symptoms. No correlations were found between the prevalence of Eagle’s syndrome and sex, the length of the styloid process or age, nor side of the body. The best healing effect is obtained by surgical correction/reduction of the elongated styloid process.