Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a symptom of Eagle's Syndrome?

1. Headaches

2. Heartburn

3. Fatigue

4. Chest pain

The correct answer is: Headaches

Eagle's Syndrome is primarily associated with elongated styloid processes or calcified stylohyoid ligaments, which can lead to various symptoms, with headaches being a common complaint. The elongation of the styloid process or calcification can exert pressure on nearby structures, including nerves and blood vessels, resulting in pain that is often described as headache or discomfort in the head and neck region. Headaches in Eagle's Syndrome can be attributed to the irritation of the glossopharyngeal nerve, which may lead to referred pain. Patients may experience episodic headaches, sometimes accompanied by facial pain or other discomforts which can be closely linked to the head and neck area. In contrast, heartburn, fatigue, and chest pain are not typical manifestations of Eagle's Syndrome. While patients may experience a range of symptoms due to various conditions, the defining and prevalent symptoms of Eagle's Syndrome primarily include head and neck pain, particularly headaches. Therefore, recognizing headaches as a symptom helps in understanding and identifying Eagle's Syndrome in clinical practice.