Causes Of Horner Syndrome

Migraines And Cluster Headaches

Migraines and cluster headaches are also known to cause Horner syndrome. Some research suggests headaches could involve effects on the sympathetic pathways. Available information comes from several case reports. In a 2001 assessment, cluster headaches were assumed to be the cause of permanent Horner's syndrome in seven patients. Based on additional information, however, the patients may have suffered lesions to the sympathetic pathways.

A 2005 case report revealed a Horner syndrome male patient suffered from severe headaches prior to developing ptosis, thus leading to anisocoria. Headaches are also presented with Horner syndrome in a newer case report from 2016. The sixty-one-year-old male patient suffered ptosis and miosis in the left eye.

Encephalitis

Encephalitis refers to inflammation that occurs in the brain. The condition can lead to the eye symptoms seen in patients with Horner syndrome. While encephalitis sometimes produces only mild flu-like symptoms, patients may sometimes develop sensory loss or paralysis in certain areas of the face, and muscle weakness, confusion, and seizures might occur. Some patients could experience problems with speech or hearing, and babies may have bulging along the soft spots of their skull. Several viruses, including herpes, enteroviruses, rabies, and viruses spread by ticks and mosquitoes, may all lead to the development of encephalitis.

Emergency medical care should be obtained if the patient develops a fever, confusion, or a reduced level of consciousness. To diagnose this illness, doctors typically order MRI or CT scans to detect swelling in the brain, and a lumbar puncture can help in identifying the underlying cause. Encephalitis patients might need to have an electroencephalogram to study their brain activity, and blood and urine tests could be necessary. To treat this ailment, patients may be given antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, and breathing assistance, intravenous fluids, and other supportive care measures are provided depending on the patient's symptoms.