Horner's syndrome

System: Neurological Signs · All neurological signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

Drooping of the upper eyelid (ptosis), a small pupil (miosis) and loss of sweating on one side of the face, sometimes with the eye appearing sunken.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with disruption of the sympathetic nerve pathway to the eye, anywhere from the brainstem through the neck and upper chest.

◈ Behind the name

Johann Friedrich Horner (1831–1886), Swiss ophthalmologist.

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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.