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[Horner's syndrome reversible by coughing]
1Augenabteilung des Kantonsspitals Frauenfeld.
Klinische Monatsblatter Fur Augenheilkunde
|February 1, 1988
Summary
A temporary resolution of ptosis and miosis in congenital Horner's syndrome occurred after coughing. Pharmacological testing localized the defect to the second neuron, but the cause remains unknown.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Congenital Horner's syndrome is characterized by ptosis (droopy eyelid) and miosis (constricted pupil).
- This condition results from damage to the sympathetic nerve pathway to the face and eye.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old woman with congenital Horner's syndrome experienced complete, temporary resolution of her ptosis and miosis.
- This transient improvement followed a bout of coughing.
Findings:
- Pharmacological evaluation indicated that the neurological defect underlying the Horner's syndrome was located in the second neuron of the sympathetic pathway.
- Despite the observed phenomenon and localization, the specific etiology or pathogenetic mechanism remains unidentified.
Implications:
- This case highlights an unusual, transient response in a long-standing neurological condition.
- Further research may elucidate the mechanisms behind such temporary symptom reversal in neurological disorders.
- Understanding this phenomenon could offer new insights into sympathetic nervous system function and regulation.