Styloid Process Elongation VS. Eagle’s Syndrome: Diagnostic Guidelines for Clinical Practice
Kaylane Victoria Vaz de Faria1, Marcelo do Lago Pimentel Maia2, Natália Cortez Gutierrez3, Élio Hitoshi Shinohara4, Irineu Gregnanin Pedron5*
1Undergraduation Student, School of Dentistry, Centro Universitário Braz Cubas, Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil.
2DDS, MSc. Independent Researcher, ISO Radiologia Odontológica (Itaquera e Osasco), São Paulo, Brazil.
3DDS, MSc, PhD. Professor, Department of Operative Dentistry and Cariology, School of Dentistry, Centro Universitário Braz Cubas, Mogi das Cruzes,
4DDS, PhD. Assistant Surgeon, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital Regional de Osasco (SUS/SP). OMF Residency Program and ColosSUS Bucal, Osasco, Brazil.
5DDS, MDS. Professor, Department of Periodontics and Integrated Clinic, School of Dentistry, Centro Universitário Braz Cubas, Mogi das Cruzes, and Independent Researcher, ISO Radiologia Odontológica (Itaquera), São Paulo, Brazil.
*Corresponding Author: Irineu Gregnanin Pedron, DDS, MDS. Professor, Department of Periodontics, Oral Surgery and Integrated Clinic, School of Dentistry, Centro Universitário Braz Cubas, Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil. 1st Lieutenant of Brazilian Air Force, Hospital de Força Aérea de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
https://doi.org/10.58624/SVOADE.2026.07.016
Received: April 10, 2026
Published: April 23, 2026
Citation: Garcia M, Bachiega JC, Santos FM, do Valle Wuo A, Pedron IG. Styloid Process Elongation VS. Eagle’s Syndrome: Diagnostic Guidelines for Clinical Practice. SVOA Dentistry 2026, 7:2, 112-116. doi: 10.58624/SVOADE.2026.07.016
Abstract
Elongation of the styloid process is a common radiographic finding, yet it is often mistaken for Eagle’s Syndrome, a rare neuropathic disorder presenting with symptoms such as cervicofacial pain, dysphagia, otalgia and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, frequently mimicking other head and neck conditions. A clinical paradox is observed: whilst panoramic X-rays reveal a high incidence of elongation and calcification of the styloid process, the majority of patients are asymptomatic. The absence of this distinction creates a diagnostic maze, leading to erroneous treatments for Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) or non-specific neck pain. Elongation of the styloid process requires only clinical management, whilst Eagle’s Syndrome demands surgical intervention (styloidectomy) to resolve neuropathic symptoms. The purpose of this article is to present the anatomical, physiological and pathological differences between asymptomatic elongation and Eagle’s Syndrome, addressing the challenges of differential diagnosis, treatment modalities and management protocols.
Keywords: Eagle’s Syndrome; Parapharyngeal Space; Differential Diagnosis; Panoramic Radiography; Facial Pain; Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome.
