Elongated styloid syndrome mimicking temporomandibular joint disorders: a case report and short literature review

Elongated styloid syndrome (ESS) can present with myriad symptoms that mimic common features of orofacial pain, such as temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJDs), often causing a challenge and delay in diagnosis. We report the case of a 52-year-old male with a three-year history of non-painful clicking during jaw movement initially diagnosed as TMJD-related internal derangement. The patient presented with a history of annoying jaw sounds for three years, described as a popping sound without bilateral clicking or crepitation. Tinnitus and progressive hearing loss were observed in the right ear, and a hearing aid was recommended by an otolaryngologist. The patient was initially diagnosed with TMJD and managed accordingly; nevertheless, his symptoms persisted. Imaging revealed prominent bilateral styloid process elongation that exceeded the recognized cut-off level of >30 mm for elongation. The patient was informed of his diagnosis and its treatment but opted only for further swallowing and auditory assessments of his ear and nose symptoms. Clinicians should consider including ESS as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with non-specific chronic orofacial symptoms for timely diagnosis and favorable clinical outcomes.