Effects of acupuncture on the symptoms and thermal imaging of idiopathic Horner's syndrome: a case report.

Abstract

Horner’s syndrome results from a disruption of the sympathetic nerves innervating the eye and is characterized by unilateral miosis, ptosis, anhidrosis, and enophthalmos.1 Blockade of sympathetic nerves induces vasodilation and increases skin temperature;1 this increased temperature can be detected by digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI). In most cases, it is acquired as a result of underlying causes that damage the oculosympathetic pathway. When the etiology is known, the management is directed at treating the underlying disease; however, in idiopathic cases, there is no specific treatment.1 Several studies have suggested an impact of acupuncture on autonomic function and blood circulation.2 However, we were unable to identify any published reports of the treatment of human Horner’s syndrome with acupuncture. Here, a case of a woman who showed improvement in symptoms and thermal imaging after acupuncture treatment is presented. Case report