Horner’s syndrome is a type of eye disorder. It is caused by paralysis of the cervical sympathetic nerves. This syndrome consists of following conditions:
- Heterochromia (difference in the eye color)
- Anihidrosis (abscence of facial sweat)
- Miosis (abnormal contraction of the pupil)
- Swelling of the lower eyelid
- Ptosis (droopy upper eyelid)
- Enophtalmos (sinking of the eyeball into its cavity)
Types of Horner’s Syndrome
Horner’s syndrome has three types. Each type of the syndrome is named after its pathway (first, second and third). Also these types are associated with the parts of the body within the pathway (postganglionic, preganglionic and central). The 3 different types are mentioned below-
First Neuron Horner’s Syndrome: It is also known as central lesions. This is caused by the closure of the postinferior cerebellar artery. This artery lies at the lower portion of the brain stem. First neuron Horner’s syndrome is also known as the Wallenberg syndrome. Brain tumors and transient ischemic attack can also cause the syndrome.
Second Neuron Horner’s Syndrome: It is also known as preganglionic lesions. It may be caused by severe osteoarthritis of the neck along with bone spurs, thyroid enlargement, phrenic nerve syndrome, thoracic tumors, lung cancer, severe whiplash, surgery, neck trauma caused by injury, spinal cord disease or injury.
Third Neuron Horner’s Syndrome: This is sub-divided into two groups.
- Group I — It is also known as postganglionic lesions. It may be caused by middle ear infections, migraines, cluster headaches, or skull fractures.
- Group II — It involves the mechanism of facial sweating.
Treatment of Horner’s Syndrome
Treatment of Horner’s syndrome depends on the cause and location of the lesion. In some cases, tumor is removed surgically. But if the tumor is malignant, chemotherapy and radiation may be recommended.
