Pharynx and tonsils: Eagle syndrome: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Pharynx and tonsils: Eagle syndrome

Sample item

A 50-year-old woman who underwent tonsillectomy has persistent sharp throat pain on swallowing and turning the head, and a bony hard projection is felt in the tonsillar fossa. What is the likely diagnosis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Eagle syndrome from an elongated styloid process

Eagle syndrome is caused by an elongated styloid process or calcified stylohyoid ligament, giving pharyngeal pain, foreign body sensation and referred ear pain. A bony projection may be palpable in the tonsillar fossa. CT confirms it, and treatment is styloidectomy.

Option by option

  • A. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia

    Glossopharyngeal neuralgia causes paroxysms triggered by swallowing without a bony mass.

  • B. Eagle syndrome from an elongated styloid process (correct)

    Correct. A palpable bony spike in the fossa suggests an elongated styloid.

  • C. Retropharyngeal abscess

    A retropharyngeal abscess presents with fever and a bulge.

  • D. Peritonsillar abscess

    A peritonsillar abscess presents with fever and trismus.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is B, Eagle syndrome from an elongated styloid process. Eagle syndrome is caused by an elongated styloid process or calcified stylohyoid ligament, giving pharyngeal pain, foreign body sensation and referred ear pain.

Why is "Glossopharyngeal neuralgia" not the answer?

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia causes paroxysms triggered by swallowing without a bony mass.

Why is "Retropharyngeal abscess" not the answer?

A retropharyngeal abscess presents with fever and a bulge.

Why is "Peritonsillar abscess" not the answer?

A peritonsillar abscess presents with fever and trismus.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pharynx and tonsils: Eagle syndrome in ENT. A bony projection may be palpable in the tonsillar fossa. CT confirms it, and treatment is styloidectomy.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Pharynx and tonsils: Eagle syndrome?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.