Anatomy & Histology · single question
A patient with pain every time they turn their neck is MOST likely experiencing:
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Correct answer: A. Eagle syndrome
Eagle syndrome is caused by an elongated styloid process or ossified stylohyoid ligament. It classically presents as neck/throat pain or referred facial pain triggered by turning the head, swallowing, or opening the mouth. The elongated styloid can compress adjacent nerves and vessels. Diagnosis is confirmed with panoramic radiograph or CT showing a styloid process >2.5 cm.
- A. ✅ CORRECT – Eagle syndrome (elongated styloid process) characteristically causes pain upon turning the neck due to compression of adjacent structures.
- B. ❌ TMJ internal derangement causes clicking, limited opening, or jaw pain — not neck-rotation–triggered pain.
- C. ❌ Trigeminal neuralgia presents as electric shock-like pain triggered by touch zones on the face — not neck rotation.
- D. ❌ Cervicogenic headache originates from cervical spine pathology and causes occipital/frontal referred pain, not the classic neck-turn trigger of Eagle syndrome.
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