Horner’s syndrome is a symptom of something else that is going on in the body, rather than a problem in and of itself. Horner’s syndrome can present as a drooping upper eyelid on one side (ptosis), lack of sweating on one side of the face (anhydrosis), or as one pupil that does not dilate in sync with the other pupil. In infants, Horner’s syndrome can present as one iris being a lighter color than the other(heterochromia). The sympatheitc nerves are affected, causing symptoms with sweating or smooth muscle function in blood vessels. The underlying causes for Horner’s syndrome are:
Birthing trauma can be characterized as a birth that took too long, a birth that was too fast, a difficult vaginal delivery, the use of forceps or vacuum were used to aid delivery, a vaginal breech birth. In these cases, excessive pressure to the baby’s neck can be the reason for Horner’s syndrome. Depression of the carotid artery with forceps can leave lasting scar material that ultimately effect the amount of oxygen to the baby’s brain.
In other patients with Horner’s syndrome, stroke or tumor could be the underlying reasons for the atypical presentation. IIn cases of apex lung cancer, the tumor growth is pressing against brachial plexus nerves and the effects are seen in the face.
Misdiagnosis can happen with Horner’s syndrome. It can be confused with Bell’s palsy, which also causes eye drooping. With Bell’s palsy, however, it is usually an entire half of the face that is effectedor paralyzed and not just the eye, or sweating. With Bell’s palsy, the cranial facial nerve is involved, not sympathetic nerves, as with Horner’s syndrome. A stroke can be the underlying cause in either of the two previous examples. Also, a concussion can cause a difference in the eye dilations that might be misdiagnosed as Horner’s syndrome.
If you or loved one suffered an injury due to birthing complications or a worsening of a medical condition due to a misdiagnosis, you may be eligible for damages. Let the experts at the Sweeney Law Firm review the facts to see if you have a birthing injury or medical misdiagnosis malpractice case. If we represent you, it will be on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless there is a settlement or a recovery of funds for you.
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