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Diagnosis

Authoring team

The level of a complete lesion in Horner's syndrome can be identified by the use of pharmacological agents:

  • 4% cocaine eyedrops fail to dilate the pupil in Horner's syndrome:
    • cocaine inhibits the reuptake of noradrenaline, if there is no noradrenaline then cocaine is inactive
  • hydroxyamphetamine will not dilate a Horner's pupil if the lesion is post-ganglionic
  • weak adrenaline dilates a Horner's pupil when the lesion is post-ganglionic

In summary:

  • a normal pupil is dilated by cocaine and hydroxyamphetamine
  • when the lesion is pre-ganglionic only hydroxyamphetamine causes dilatation
  • when the lesion is post-ganglionic only adrenaline causes dilatation

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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