Horner syndrome

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Image showing Horner syndrome symptoms 
Horner syndrome symptoms

Horner syndrome is a rare disorder that occurs when the nerves that travel from your brain to your eyes and face are damaged.

Horner syndrome typically affects only one side of your face. Hallmark findings of Horner syndrome include a drooping eyelid, decreased eye pupil size and decreased sweating on the affected side of your face.

Horner syndrome isn't a disease itself. Rather, it's a sign of another medical problem — such as a stroke, tumor or spinal cord injury — that damages the nerves to your face. In some cases, however, no underlying cause can be found.

There's no specific treatment for Horner syndrome. Instead, treatment is directed at the underlying cause, when possible.

References
  1. Kedar S, et al. Horner's syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2009.
  2. Riordan-Eva P, et al. Neuro-ophthalmology. In: Riordan-Eva P, et al. Vaughan & Asbury's General Ophthalmology. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2004. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3091826&searchStr=horner's+syndrome. Accessed Feb. 4, 2009.
  3. Ropper AH, et al. Disorders of ocular movement and pupillary function. In: Ropper AH, et al. Adams and Victor's Principles of Neurology. 8th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2005. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=969125&searchStr=horner's+syndrome. Accessed Feb. 4, 2009.
  4. Birinyi F, et al. Ophthalmologic conditions. In: Knoop KJ, et al. Atlas of Emergency Medicine. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2002. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=787476&searchStr=horner's+syndrome. Accessed Feb. 4, 2009.
  5. Mahoney NR, et al. Pediatric Horner syndrome: Etiologies and roles of imaging and urine studies to detect neuroblastoma and other responsible mass lesions. American Journal of Ophthalmology. 2006;142:651.
  6. Braverman RS. Eye. In: Hey WW, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Pediatrics, 19th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3401185&searchStr=horner's+syndrome. Accessed Feb. 4, 2009.

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April 17, 2009

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