Horner syndrome (Homer S syndrome)

Homer's Syndrome

Horner's Syndrome is an oculo-pupillary symptom complex that develops as a result of damage to the cervical or thoracic parts of the sympathetic trunk.

The main symptoms of Horner's syndrome are:

  1. Constriction of the pupil (miosis) on the affected side
  2. Ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid) on the affected side
  3. Enophthalmos (retraction of the eyeball into the orbit) on the affected side
  4. Impaired secretion of tear fluid and sweating on the affected half of the face

The reasons for the development of the syndrome can be very different - from congenital anomalies to tumors and injuries. Diagnosis is based on identifying characteristic symptoms. Treatment depends on the cause and is aimed at eliminating the underlying disease or lesion. The prognosis is also determined by the underlying disease.



Homer S Syndrome: symptoms, causes and treatment

Horner's syndrome, also known as Homer S Syndrome, is an oculopupillary symptom complex that develops as a result of damage to the cervical or thoracic sympathetic trunk. This syndrome is named after the French physician Claude Horner, who first described it in 1851.

The main signs of Horner's syndrome are:

  1. Pupillary constriction: Damage to the sympathetic trunk results in decreased pupil size on the affected side of the face. This occurs due to loss of sympathetic innervation to the pupillary sphincter, which normally controls pupil dilation.

  2. Drooping of the upper eyelid (ptosis): A symptom of Horner's syndrome is drooping of the upper eyelid on the affected side of the face. This occurs due to paralysis of the muscles responsible for raising the eyelid as a result of damage to the sympathetic trunk.

  3. Endophthalmos: Damage to the sympathetic trunk can cause the eyeball to sink into the orbital cavity, which is called endophthalmos. This can manifest itself as dryness of the eye and ocular apparatus.

  4. Impaired tear secretion and sweating: Horner's syndrome can cause decreased tear secretion and sweating on the affected side of the face. This is due to a violation of the sympathetic innervation of the corresponding glands.

The causes of Horner's syndrome can be varied. It can be caused by trauma, tumor, infection, inflammation or vascular disorders that affect the sympathetic trunk. For example, a tumor in the cervical or thoracic spine can compress the sympathetic trunk, causing symptoms of Horner's syndrome.

Diagnosing Horner's syndrome may require a comprehensive examination, including a physical examination, neuroimaging (such as MRI or CT), electrophysiological tests, and other special tests. It is important to identify the cause of the syndrome in order to provide the most effective treatment.

Treatment for Horner's syndrome is aimed at eliminating the underlying cause. For example, if the syndrome is caused by a tumor, surgery may be required to remove the tumor or radiation therapy to reduce its size. If infection occurs, antibiotics may be required. Additionally, symptomatic methods may be used to improve symptoms, such as the use of artificial tear drops or prosthetic devices to elevate the upper eyelid.

It is important to note that successful treatment of Horner's syndrome depends on identifying and treating the underlying cause. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor if you experience symptoms characteristic of this syndrome.

In conclusion, Horner's syndrome (Homer S Syndrome) is an oculo-pupillary symptom complex that occurs as a result of damage to the cervical or thoracic sympathetic trunk. It manifests itself through constriction of the pupils, ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid), endophthalmos and impaired tear secretion and sweating. Diagnosis and treatment of Horner's syndrome require a comprehensive approach and identification of the underlying cause. Therefore, it is important to consult a medical specialist to obtain an accurate diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.



Let us highlight the main pathophysiological mechanisms of Horner's syndrome and consider them in detail. The reasons for the formation of the syndrome in a patient are associated with damage to the nervous system, as a result of which the functioning of such internal organs as the lacrimal sac, ciliary muscle, pyramidal body and corneal layer is disrupted. Traumatic injuries refer to