# Eagle syndrome

> A little-known cause of throat pain that worsens when you yawn or turn your head, with pain spreading to the ear: an elongated styloid, or Eagle syndrome.

Source: https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/eagle-syndrome/  
Updated: 2026-09-30

Blog · [Neck](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/#neck)

By: [Prof. Dr. Ayşenur Meriç Hafız](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/about/) · Translated from the original Turkish article.

Diagram In Eagle syndrome the styloid process extending from the skull base is longer than usual and can cause throat and ear pain.

What is Eagle syndrome, or an elongated styloid process?

This syndrome is a condition that causes pain in your face or neck. The pain is caused by an elongated styloid process, a small, pointed bone that projects from the skull just below the ear and serves as an attachment point for several muscles connected with the tongue and larynx.

Although it can affect people of both sexes and of any age, it is more common in women between the ages of 30 and 60.

The main symptom of Eagle syndrome is usually a severe pain on one side of your neck or face, particularly near your jaw. The pain may come and go, or it may be constant. It usually gets worse when you yawn, move or turn your head. You may also feel the pain radiating towards your ear.

Other symptoms of Eagle syndrome are difficulty swallowing, a feeling that something is stuck in the throat, headache, dizziness and ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

[Read more in Treatment areasEagle Syndrome](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/treatments/neck-cysts/eagle-syndrome/)

The outcomes of surgical and medical procedures vary from person to person; consult your doctor for an assessment specific to you.

## More on this topic

- [Branchial cleft cyst](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/branchial-cleft-cyst/)
- [Branchial cleft cyst treatment](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/branchial-cleft-cyst-treatment/)
- [Thyroglossal duct cyst](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/thyroglossal-duct-cyst/)
- [Eagle syndrome treatment](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/eagle-syndrome-treatment/)

[All articles](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/)

Contact

## For appointments and questions

WhatsApp is the fastest way to reach us. You can also call, or use the contact form.

[Message on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/905358113949?text=Hello%2C%20I%20would%20like%20to%20request%20an%20appointment.)[+90 535 811 39 49](tel:+905358113949)[Request an appointment](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/contact/#form)