Causes Of Horner Syndrome

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic condition in which the body's immune system damages the coverings that protect nerves. Patients with this illness could develop vision problems, including blurry vision and double vision. They may also have pain during eye movement, and some individuals could have partial or complete vision loss; this typically affects one eye. Multiple sclerosis often makes movement painful, and patients tend to have tingling or electric-shock sensations while bending the neck forward, and they may develop muscle weakness on one side of the body. Tremors and an unsteady gait might be present. To diagnose this disorder, patients will need to have a neurological exam and blood tests, and a lumbar puncture and MRI scan may be required. Some will also be asked to have evoked potential tests.

Corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation of the nerves, and clinicians might recommend plasmapheresis for patients with severe symptoms that have not responded to corticosteroids. To slow down the progression of the primary-progressive form of multiple sclerosis, a medication called ocrelizumab may be beneficial. For patients with the relapsing-remitting form, oral medications such as fingolimod and dimethyl fumarate are often recommended, and injections of glatiramer acetate or beta interferons may be prescribed.

Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis

First described in 1831, cavernous sinus thrombosis is a life-threatening condition that most often develops in conjunction with sepsis. This type of thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins at the base of the skull. Patients with this condition may have a high fever, headache, visual disturbances, and rapid swelling of the periorbital area. Patients may notice pain or numbness in the face, and eye movements could be impaired. At times, the eyelids can swell, and the pupils may appear uneven or excessively dilated.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis typically occurs as a late-stage complication after an infection of the central areas of the face or the paranasal sinuses. Less commonly, it could develop following trauma, bacteremia, ear infections, or maxillary teeth infections. To diagnose this condition, doctors rely on CT and MRI scans, and treatment consists of high doses of intravenous antibiotics and anticoagulants. Cavernous sinus thrombosis has a very high fatality rate, and patients who survive may have long-term health problems, including permanent double vision. The illness could lead to strokes or brain abscesses, and blindness, and some survivors might develop an underactive pituitary gland.