Central Horner syndrome is a rare neurological disorder characterized by a group of symptoms resulting from dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. It is a form of Horner syndrome, which is caused by the disruption of sympathetic nerve pathways that control the pupils, eyelids, and sweat glands on one side of the face.
In central Horner syndrome, the underlying cause lies in the central nervous system, specifically the brainstem, spinal cord, or hypothalamus. The condition typically arises due to a lesion or injury affecting the descending pathway that connects the brain with the sympathetic nerves in the face.
The main clinical features of central Horner syndrome include anisocoria (unequal pupil sizes), ptosis (drooping eyelid), and flushing or lack of sweating on the affected side of the face. These symptoms occur because of the paralysis or weakness of the sympathetic nerves responsible for dilating the pupil, elevating the eyelid, and activating sweat glands.
Central Horner syndrome can be secondary to various conditions, such as brainstem stroke, tumors, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury. Diagnosis involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and additional imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans, to identify the underlying cause.
Treatment of central Horner syndrome is primarily focused on managing the underlying condition. In some cases, if the cause is treatable (e.g., removing a tumor), the symptoms of Horner syndrome may improve. However, the prognosis ultimately depends on the extent and severity of the underlying condition.
