unusual cause of recurrent throat pain - calcified stylohyoid ligament

ABSTRACT

Calcified stylohyoid ligament is also called an elongated styloid process and the symptom complex that it produces is called Eagle's syndrome. The symptoms of neck pain, sore throat, foreign body sensation in the throat, dysphagia and otalgia may be confused with other head and neck pain and are often worsened by yawning, opening the mouth wide or turning the head laterally. This is the result of involvement of cranial nerves, carotid plexus and cervical plexus. Carotid artery involvement causes wider symptomatology. Sometimes, it presents as a complication of tonsillectomy procedure. Elongated styloid process is conveniently identified on firm digital examination of tonsillar fossa. Diagnosis is made with appropriate radiological examination. Non-surgical treatment options include re-assurance, analgesia, anti-inflammatory medications and surgical option is shortening of the elongated styloid process by transoral or external approach. The condition is hereby described in a 59 years old male