What Is Eagle Syndrome?
Most of us have woken up with a stiff neck. It can be quite painful and it can last for a day or two. However, a stiff neck will usually pass with no damage being done. Not all pains in the neck are caused by something so simple, however. They can also be caused by medical conditions like eagle syndrome.
Eagle syndrome is a condition caused by a deformity in the structure of the face and skull. It does have the potential to be dangerous, but it can usually be treated. Here is a closer look at the condition, the symptoms it can cause, and what can be done to treat it.
1. Eagle Syndrome
The stylohyoid process is a small bone that is located just below the ear, and the hyoid bone is located in the front of the neck. The stylohyoid ligament is a ligament that connects the two. These body parts come together to form the stylohyoid apparatus.
The stylohyoid process is a small, pointy bone that projects forward from the skull. It helps to serve as an anchor point on for a number of facial muscles, including some associated with the larynx and the tongue. Abnormalities with these body parts will sometimes cause eagle syndrome, which causes pain in the face and neck.
2. Causes
Eagle syndrome is a condition that is more common in women that are aged between 40 and 60 years old. It can, however, also affect males and females in all age groups. It is not clear exactly why it happens, but we do know it is associated with parts of the stylohyoid apparatus.
The condition happens when either the stylohyoid ligament becomes calcified, or when the styloid process grows unusually long. A long styloid process is the most common culprit, and the condition will affect the nerve signals in the area. This can result in some very unwelcome symptoms for the patient.
3. Headaches
Headaches are such a common symptom that it can be easy to just try and pass them off. Some paracetamol is usually enough to take the edge off the pain, and the symptom will usually pass before long. If you do have a headache that persists, however, then you should arrange to speak with your doctor.
There is a lot we don’t yet know about headaches, and their exact cause is often not clear. In some cases, however, there can be a very specific cause of the condition, one of which is eagle syndrome. Being able to identify the cause is important because it is the first step in curing the condition.
4. Difficulty Swallowing
Swallowing is something that comes to us naturally without us even having to think about. Indeed, people are able to swallow from the moment they are born, which is a good thing considering newborns need a lot of nutrition. It usually remains easy for us throughout the rest of our lives, but some medical conditions can change that.
Patients with eagle syndrome will often find that they have difficulty swallowing. This can make it difficult for them to eat and drink, and this can result in further complications. If the condition is not treated, it might end up with the patient becoming malnourished and/or dehydrated.
5. Ringing In Your Ears
We might sometimes experience a ringing in the ears when we have taken a blow to the head, or experienced a very loud sound nearby. It is usually only a temporary symptom and in most cases it will pass with no lasting damage done. The sensation can be more permanent for some people, however.
If you do have a persistent ringing sound in your ears then you should get it checked out. It is usually something straightforward to deal with, but it can sometimes be down to something potentially serious. It will be caused by eagle syndrome in some cases.
6. Throat Lump
Many people will develop a lump in their throat when they are sad. Other than that, it is not usual to feel as though you have something in your throat. The airways need to be kept free so air can pass, while the passage also needs to be kept free for food.
Eagle syndrome will cause a sensation that there is something stuck in the throat. This can be uncomfortable and it can also contribute to any swallowing difficulties the patient might have. It is always worth speaking with your doctor about this symptom so they can find out what is causing it.
7. Dizziness
There are numerous reasons why we might be feeling dizzy. Among the most common causes of the symptoms in adults is that we have simply not eaten enough. This means it is a good idea to sit down and get some food as soon as you are able to. The symptom is sometimes down to medical conditions, however.
If you are feeling dizzy for no apparent reason, it is a good idea to speak with a professional about the symptom. It can be down to something serious so it is best to seek advice to get any problems treated as quickly as possible. Dizziness can also sometimes be caused by eagle syndrome.
8. Complications
Eagle syndrome is not usually going to cause any serious complications, even if it is uncomfortable. It is still best to get the condition treated, however, and you should get help as soon as possible if you feel something is wrong. Eagle syndrome will sometimes put pressure on the carotid arteries, and this can result in a stroke.
Symptoms of a stroke include severe headaches and a change in vision. The patient is also likely to become weak, and they can also become easily confused. A loss of balance is another potential symptom, and the patient can also be paralyzed on one side of their body. A suspected stroke should always be treated as an emergency medical condition.
9. Diagnosis
Eagle syndrome shares symptoms with many other medical conditions, which makes it a lot more difficult to diagnose. Your doctor will want to perform a brief physical exam at first, and this may include feeling for signs of an abnormally long styloid process. The doctor will also want to ask you questions about your symptoms.
If eagle syndrome is suspected then you will likely be referred to a specialist. The specialist will hopefully be able to eliminate other possibilities and find out what the problem is. They will often use imaging techniques like an X-ray or CT scan to help them achieve this.
10. Treatment
Eagle syndrome is treatable. Depending on the specifics of each case, this treatment will sometimes involve medication. This will often mean painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications that will help to make the patient more comfortable. Steroids, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants may also be prescribed.
Where it is deemed appropriate, surgery may also be performed. Surgery will help to make the styloid process shorter, hopefully helping to relieve the patient of their symptoms. There are different ways this can be performed, and perhaps the most popular procedure is endoscopic surgery. The majority of people with the condition will be treated successfully and will no longer feel any symptoms.
