What does the temporal bone styloid process hold up?

The styloid process projects from the inferior part of the petrous temporal bone and offers attachment to the stylohyoid ligament and the stylohyoid, stylopharyngeus, and styloglossus muscles.

What is the purpose of the styloid bone?

The styloid process is a slender pointed piece of bone just below the ear. It projects down and forward from the inferior surface of the temporal bone, and serves as an anchor point for several muscles associated with the tongue and larynx.

How is elongated styloid process treated?

The most satisfactory and effective treatment is surgical shortening of the styloid process through either an intraoral or external approach. The advantages of an intraoral approach are that it is simple, is less time-consuming, is possible under local anesthesia, and avoids a visible external scar.

What is the process of the temporal bone?

There is an anterior projection from the squamous part of the temporal bone, the zygomatic process. This is located on the lower portion of the squamous part. It initially projects laterally, then turns to pass anteriorly to articulate with the temporal process of the zygomatic bone to form the zygomatic arch.

What does styloid process mean in medical terms?

Medical Definition of styloid process : any of several long slender pointed bony processes: as. a : a sharp spine that projects downward and forward from the inferior surface of the temporal bone just in front of the stylomastoid foramen and that is derived from cartilage of the second visceral arch.

What does Eagle syndrome feel like?

The main symptom of Eagle syndrome is pain usually on one side of your neck or face, especially near your jaw. The pain may come and go or be constant. It’s often worse when you yawn or move or turn your head. You may also feel the pain radiate toward your ear.

Why does my styloid process hurt?

Some people develop a long styloid process after a throat injury or surgery. In others, this is merely an anatomical difference or a change related to age. An elongated styloid process may put pressure on the throat and compress nearby nerves or blood vessels, causing pain.

What does styloid mean?

Definition of styloid : resembling a style : styliform —used especially of slender pointed skeletal processes (as on the ulna)

Is Eagle syndrome life threatening?

There is a potential for Eagle syndrome to present as a spontaneous, atraumatic fracture of an elongated styloid process leading to acute neck swelling and life-threatening airway compromise.

Can Eagles cause neck pain?

When the skull’s styloid process—the pointy bone below the ear—becomes elongated in a manner that pushes against a nerve or blood vessel, it can result in Eagle syndrome. Common symptoms include potentially severe pain in the face, throat, and/or neck.

What does a temporal bone CT scan show?

Temporal bone CT is a limited kind of head CT that focuses on the lower part of the skull and the surrounding soft tissues, and is often used in patients with hearing loss, chronic ear infections, and middle and inner ear diseases.

What happens if the temporal bone is damaged?

A temporal bone fracture may cause facial paralysis, hearing loss, bruising behind the ear, and bleeding from the ear. Doctors use computed tomography (CT) to diagnose temporal bone fractures. Treatment, sometimes including surgery, is needed if the fracture causes problems.