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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 certain nerves that travel from your brain to your eyes and face are damaged.

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. In some cases, however, no underlying cause can be found.

Horner syndrome usually affects only one side of your face. Typical symptoms of Horner syndrome include a drooping eyelid, decreased pupil size and decreased sweating on the affected side of your face.

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

Symptoms
References
  1. Kedar S, et al. Horner's syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 20, 2011.
  2. Horner's syndrome. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec16/ch208/ch208c.html. Accessed Jan. 20, 2011.
  3. Levsky ME, et al. Ophthalmologic conditions. In: Knoop KJ, et al. Atlas of Emergency Medicine. 3rd ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=6000511&searchStr=horner's+syndrome. Accessed Jan. 20, 2011.
  4. Ropper AH, et al. Disorders of ocular movement and pupillary function. In: Ropper AH, et al. Adams and Victor's Principles of Neurology. 9th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3631985&searchStr=horner's+syndrome#3631985. Accessed Jan. 20, 2011.
  5. Braverman RS. Eye. In: Hay WW, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Pediatrics. 20th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2011. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=6580881&searchStr=horner's+syndrome. Accessed Jan. 20, 2011.
  6. Robertson DM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 27, 2011.
  7. Swanson JW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 26, 2011.
DS01137 April 16, 2011

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