Horners Syndrome
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Horner Syndrome results from stokes, tumors, or spinal cord injuries and involves a disrupted nerve pathway on one side from the brain to the face and eye. It is caused by damage to the sympathetic nervous system and can manifest in droopy upper lids, some elevation of lower lids, constricted pupils, and lag in dilation. It can also result in the impression that the eye is sunk in. Moreover, dilated blood vessels can cause flushing on the impacted side of the face. Horner syndrome may lead to differences in eye color in children. Treatment for the underlying cause may restore normal nerve function. Prevention strategies include avoiding trauma, controlling cardiovascular risk factors, and stopping smoking.
Pathophysiology
Most frequently, Horner syndrome occurs from either blocked/damaged sympathetic nerves that lead to your eyes. There are a wide variety of causes of nerve damage including ear infections, carotid artery dissection, even tumors. Some conditions resulting Horner’s syndrome include central lesions involving the spinal cord and ganglionic lesions. Preganglionic lesions involve compression of the sympathetic chain by a lung tumor, and postganglionic lesions involve carotid arteries.
