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Horner syndrome
Oculosympathetic paresis
Horner syndrome is a rare condition that affects the nerves to the eye and face.
Causes
Horner syndrome can be caused by any interruption in a set of nerve fibers that start in the part of the brain called the hypothalamus and travel to the face and eyes. These nerve fibers are involved with sweating, the pupils in your eyes, and some of the muscles around your eyes.
Damage of the nerve fibers can result from:
- Injury to the carotid artery, one of the main arteries to the brain
- Injury to nerves at the base of the neck called the brachial plexus
-
Migraine
or
cluster
headaches
Migraine
A migraine is a type of headache. It may occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound. In many people, a throbbi...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleCluster
A cluster headache is a type of headache. It is one-sided head pain that may involve tearing of the eyes, a droopy eyelid, and a stuffy nose. Attac...
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Stroke
, tumor, or other damage to a part of the brain called the brainstem
Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain stops. A stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack. " If blood flow is cut off for longer th...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Tumor in the top of the lung
- Injections or surgery done to interrupt the nerve fibers and relieve pain (sympathectomy)
In rare cases, Horner syndrome is present at birth. The condition may occur with a lack of color (pigmentation) of the iris (colored part of the eye).
Symptoms
Symptoms of Horner syndrome may include:
- Decreased sweating on the affected side of the face
-
Drooping eyelid
(
ptosis
)
Drooping eyelid
Ptosis (eyelid drooping) in infants and children is when the upper eyelid is lower than it should be. This may occur in one or both eyes. Eyelid dr...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticlePtosis
Eyelid drooping is excess sagging of the upper eylid. The edge of the upper eyelid may be lower than it should be (ptosis) or there may be excess ba...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Sinking of the eyeball into the face
- Small (constricted) pupil (the black part in the center of the eye)
There may also be other symptoms, depending on the disorder that is causing the nerve damage.
Exams and Tests
The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about the symptoms.
An eye exam may show:
- Changes in how the pupil opens or closes
- Eyelid drooping
- Red eye
Depending on the suspected cause, tests may be done, such as:
- Blood tests
-
Blood vessel tests of the head (
angiogram
)
Angiogram
An arteriogram is an imaging test that uses x-rays and a special dye to see inside the arteries. It can be used to view arteries in the heart, brain...
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Chest x-ray
or
chest CT scan
Chest x-ray
A chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleChest CT scan
A chest CT (computed tomography) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the chest and upper abdomen....
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MRI
or
CT scan of the brain
MRI
A head MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the brain and surrounding...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleCT scan of the brain
A head computed tomography (CT) scan uses many x-rays to create pictures of the head, including the skull, brain, eye sockets, and sinuses.
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Spinal tap
(lumbar puncture)
Spinal tap
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the b...
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You may need to be referred to a doctor who specializes in vision problems related to the nervous system (neuro-ophthalmologist).
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of the problem. There is no treatment for Horner syndrome itself. The provider can tell you more.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The outcome depends on whether treatment of the cause is successful.
Possible Complications
There are no direct complications of Horner syndrome itself. But, there may be complications from the disease that caused Horner syndrome or from its treatment.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider if you have symptoms of Horner syndrome.
References
Baloh RW, Jen JC. Neuro-ophthalmology. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 424.
Thurtell MJ, Rucker JC. Pupillary and eyelid abnormalities. In: Daroff RB, Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, eds. Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 18.
-
Central nervous system - illustration
The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes all peripheral nerves.
Central nervous system
illustration
Review Date: 5/30/2016
Reviewed By: Amit M. Shelat, DO, FACP, Attending Neurologist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology, SUNY Stony Brook, School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY . Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
