Internal Jugular Compression Syndrome Because of Compression Between the Styloid Process and C1 Transverse Process: Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management

AND OBJECTIVES: Internal jugular vein (IJV) compression at the skull base represents a rare cause of cerebral venous outflow obstruction and may mimic Eagle's syndrome. Unlike classic Eagle's syndrome, this condition results from venous compression between the hypertrophic C1 transverse process and the styloid process, producing symptoms such as pulsatile tinnitus, headache, and cognitive disturbances....

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Audiologists encountering patients with pulsatile tinnitus and unexplained head pressure symptoms should be aware of internal jugular compression syndrome as a rare vascular cause, and refer promptly for neurosurgical or vascular workup; no change to audiological testing protocols is indicated by this case series alone.

Pulsatile tinnitus is a symptom audiologists routinely encounter, and vascular compression syndromes like this one — overlapping with Eagle syndrome — represent an underrecognised aetiology that demands prompt specialist referral.

1. 01Internal jugular vein compression between the styloid process and C1 transverse process is a rare but treatable vascular condition.
2. 02Pulsatile tinnitus is a key presenting symptom overlapping with audiology practice.
3. 03Diagnosis typically requires advanced vascular imaging (CT venography or dynamic MRI).
4. 04Surgical decompression or styloidectomy has been used for management in described cases.
5. 05Overlap with Eagle syndrome means ENT and neurosurgery collaboration is essential.

PMID

42910120

DOI

10.1227/neuprac.0000000000000308.

Journal

Neurosurgical Practice

Publication type

case_report

Evidence level

4

Population

Patients presenting with internal jugular vein compression syndrome due to styloid process–C1 transverse process impingement

Intervention

Diagnosis and surgical/conservative management of internal jugular compression syndrome