Causes
Horner syndrome is acquired as a result of disease but may also be congenital (inborn) or iatrogenic (caused by medical treatment). Although most causes are relatively benign, Horner syndrome may reflect serious disease in the neck or chest (such as a Pancoast tumor (tumor in the apex of the lung) or thyrocervical venous dilatation).
- Due to lesion or compression of one side of the cervical or thoracic sympathetic chain, which generates symptoms on the ipsilateral (same side as lesion) side of the body.
- Lateral medullary syndrome
- Cluster headache - combination termed Horton's headache
- Trauma - base of neck, usually blunt trauma, sometimes surgery.
- Middle ear infection
- Tumors - often bronchogenic carcinoma of the superior fissure (Pancoast tumor) on apex of lung
- Aortic aneurysm, thoracic
- Neurofibromatosis type 1
- Goitre
- Dissecting aortic aneurysm
- Thyroid carcinoma
- Multiple sclerosis
- Cervical rib traction on stellate ganglion
- Carotid artery dissection
- Klumpke paralysis
- Cavernous sinus thrombosis
- Sympathectomy
- Syringomyelia
- Nerve blocks, such as cervical plexus block, stellate ganglion or interscalene block
- As a complication of tube thoracostomy
- A Horner's syndrome may occur during a migraine attack and be relieved afterwards
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