HORNER’S SYNDROME

SYMPTOMS

Horner’s syndrome affects just one part of the face in most cases. Some of the most common symptoms and indications include the following:

• Drooping of the upper eyelid
• Little or delayed dilation in dim light
• Persistently small pupil
• Slight elevation of the lower lid
• Anhidrosis
• Different pupil size

If Horner syndrome signs or symptoms arise unexpectedly, following a traumatic event, or in combination with the other signs and symptoms, such as the following below, you must seek immediate medical attention.

• Lack of muscle control
• Impaired vision
• Dizziness
• Muscle weakness
• Severe, sudden headache or neck pain

DIAGNOSIS

Horner’s syndrome can be diagnosed by your doctor based on your medical background and their assessment of your symptoms. Your doctor will do tests in addition to an essential medical examination to identify the exact cause of your symptoms, as well as determine a probable cause.

Your doctor, usually an ophthalmologist, may further confirm the diagnosis by simply putting a solution in both eyes—either one that dilates or constricts the pupil in such a healthy eye. They can also assess whether nerve damage is the cause of issues in the suspect eye when comparing its reactions mostly in healthy and suspicious eyes.

The tests used to identify the site of nerve damage include:

• X-ray imaging
• Chest X-ray
• Computerized tomography (CT)
• Carotid ultrasound
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 

TREATMENT

Horner syndrome does not have a specific treatment. Besides, this condition often goes away on its own whenever the underlying medical issue that causes it is successfully treated.