A combination of signs and symptoms caused by disruption of a nerve pathway from the brain to the face, eye, and one side of the body is known as oculosympathetic palsy. It is more commonly known as Horner’s syndrome. This disorder causes the eyelid to droop, decreases the size of the pupil, and decreases sweating on the affected side of the face. Oculosympathetic palsy is a rare condition but can affect anyone at any age. In rare cases, this condition is congenital.
Symptoms
The most common signs and symptoms of oculosympathetic palsy are:
- It usually affects only one side of the face
- Decrease in size of the pupil in one eye
- A prominent difference in size of both the pupils
- Drooping of the upper eyelid
- Delayed dilation of the pupil in the affected eye in dark or dim light
- The lower eyelid appears slightly raised
- Decrease or lack of sweating on one side of the face
- Sunken eye
Children might experience additional symptoms like
- Lighter iris color in the affected eye
- Lack of redness on the affected side of the face that would normally appear due to heat, emotional reaction, or physical exertion
Causes
The sympathetic nervous system in our body regulates the pupil size, perspiration, heart rate, blood pressure, and other functions that enable us to respond quickly to the changes in our environment. Oculosympathetic palsy is caused when a certain pathway in the sympathetic nervous system is damaged. Conditions that can cause damage to this pathway include:
- Cancer
- Tumors or cysts
- Infection at the base of the skull
- Damage to the aorta
- Damage to the myelin
- Migraines and cluster headaches
- Injury to the carotid artery
- Injury to the jugular vein
- Surgery
- Stroke
- Trauma to the head or neck
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for oculosympathetic palsy. Treating the underlying condition that caused oculosympathetic palsy will cure it too. When the symptoms are very mild, treatment may not be required.
Signs and symptoms of oculosympathetic palsy do not affect the vision or quality of life. But this disorder indicates the presence of another underlying medical condition that may be quite serious or even life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to get immediate medical attention.
Disclaimer: The information in no way constitutes, or should be construed as medical advice. Nor is the above article an endorsement of any research findings discussed in the article an endorsement for any of the source publications.
