Definition

Noun: A medical condition characterized by a specific set of symptoms resulting from damage or interruption to a particular nerve pathway in the sympathetic nervous system, typically in the neck or upper chest region. The classic triad of symptoms includes ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid), miosis (constriction of the pupil), and anhidrosis (absence of sweating) on the same side of the face.

Usage

The term is used as a proper noun in medical contexts to diagnose or describe a specific neurological syndrome. * The patient presented with the classic signs of Horner's syndrome following the surgical procedure. * Horner's syndrome can be an important clue in diagnosing tumors in the lung apex.

Advanced Usage

• "to have Horner's syndrome": To be diagnosed with or exhibit the symptoms of the condition.
  • The car accident victim was found to have Horner's syndrome, indicating possible neck trauma.
• "Horner's syndrome is present": A formal statement used in medical documentation to note the observation of the condition.
  • Upon examination, Horner's syndrome is present on the left side.

Variants and Related Words

• Horner syndrome: An alternative spelling, often without the possessive apostrophe.
• Oculosympathetic palsy: A more technical, descriptive synonym for the same condition.
• Bernard-Horner syndrome: Another historical name occasionally used.

Synonyms

• Oculosympathetic palsy
• Bernard-Horner syndrome

Related Phrases

• Ptosis, miosis, and anhidrosis: The three primary symptoms that define the syndrome.
• Sympathetic chain disruption: The underlying cause of the syndrome.

Noun

1. a pattern of symptoms occurring as a result of damage to nerves in the cervical region of the spine (drooping eyelids and constricted pupils and absence of facial sweating)