Do you often experience pain when swallowing? Do you get headaches, dizziness, or ringing in your ears? If so, you may have Eagle Syndrome, also known as Styloid Syndrome. This is a condition that affects a small number of people, but it can cause a lot of pain and discomfort.

Eagle Syndrome is caused by the elongation of the styloid process, which is a bone in the neck that helps support your tongue. When this bone is too long, it can press against nerves and other structures in the neck, face, and head, causing symptoms like headaches and facial pain.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to get checked out. For now, read on to learn more about five of the most common signs that you may have Eagle Syndrome.

1. Pain when swallowing or turning the head to one side

Pain when swallowing or turning the head to one side can be indicative of Eagle Syndrome (Styloid Syndrome).

To break it down, Eagle Syndrome is characterized by a growing bony structure near the cervical spine in the soft tissues of the throat. This growing structure, called a “styloid process”, can irritate important nerves and tendons that are located in the area causing pain when consuming food or turning the head.

Most of the time these pains will appear as occasional stings or sharp sensations, however they may also appear as aching pains or throbbing if the condition is left untreated for an extended period of time.

If you’re experiencing any kind of pain in your throat during activities like swallowing or turning your head to one side, then it could be a sign of Eagle Syndrome and you should speak with your doctor about treatment options.

2. Headaches

Headaches can be a common symptom of Eagle Syndrome (Styloid Syndrome). The overgrowth of the styloid process puts pressure on the tissues and nerves that pass through it in your neck, leading to tension-type or pressure headaches on both sides of your head.

Additionally, because this pressure affects structures of the ear like the ossicles and external auditory canal, you may also hear noises such as clicking, buzzing or ringing in your ears. If you are experiencing headaches associated with clicking or buzzing sounds in your ears it may be worth consulting a doctor to explore whether Eagle Syndrome could be the cause.

However, tension headaches can be caused by a number of different things, so if these are your only symptoms, Eagle Syndrome may not be the cause.

3. Feeling like something is stuck in your throat

Another common symptom of Eagle Syndrome is feeling like something is stuck in your throat. This sensation occurs because the styloid process can press against sensitive tissue near the throat, giving you a feeling that something is lodged there.

The sensation can range from being minor and intermittent to severe and persistent. If you’re experiencing this symptom and it doesn't go away, it may be worth checking with your doctor to find out more about diagnosis and treatment options.

4. Throbbing in the jaw

Throbbing pain in your jaw can be caused by a number of things from Bruxism, to the elongation of the styloid process, to an infection of the gums.

Typically, if your jaw pain is also accompanied by teeth chattering or grinding in your sleep, you can rest assured knowing that Eagle Syndrome is likely not the cause —but if you are experiencing these symptoms, you can visit JS Dental Lab to learn more about steps you can take to relieve your jaw pain.

On the other hand, if your jaw pain is accompanied by other symptoms like a feeling of something stuck in your throat, headaches or difficulty swallowing, then it may be worth booking an appointment with your doctor to explore whether Eagle Syndrome could be the cause.

5. Pain at the base of the tongue

Much like how you might experience pain when swallowing or turning your head, Eagle Syndrome can also cause pain at the base of the tongue —the part that’s closest to your throat.

The sharp, shooting pain that you might feel when your tongue is in this area can be caused by the elongation of the styloid process pressing against —you guessed it— sensitive tissues in this general region. Since the styloid process helps to support the tongue, pain in this area may be more pronounced.

Conclusion
Eagle Syndrome (Styloid Syndrome) is a rare condition that can cause pain in the throat and neck area, as well as other symptoms like headaches and hearing buzzing or ringing noises in the ears. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it may be worth speaking with your doctor to explore diagnosis and treatment options.