Questions posted in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Question Title: ETS - Hyperhidrosis - Horner's Syndrome

Forum: Neurology Forum
Topic: Thoracic

Re: ETS - Hyperhidrosis - Horner's Syndrome

Re: ETS - Hyperhidrosis - Horner's Syndrome



Posted by ccf neuro M.D.* on November 08, 1997 at 20:53:24:

In Reply to: ETS - Hyperhidrosis - Horner's Syndrome posted by Rick Weyoun on October 18, 1997 at 00:06:59:


I have been doing much research on Horner's syndrome.
This seems to be the worst complication that can arise
from getting Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy for
the cure of hyperhidrosis.

I know Horner's is a collection that consists of
droopy eyelid, smaller pupil, sunken eye, oral
anhidrosis, and facial anhidrosis, even drooping
facial features.

Can surgeons selectively cut the level T2 ganglia or
level T1-T2 interganglionic fibers safely and stop
facial/head sweating while avoiding the other
undesireable effects of Horner's syndrome?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In short, NO. There is no way to guarantee or expect that there would not be damage to the fibers that if damaged cause the Horner's syndrome, since they are very close to the region where the sympathectomy is performed, and especially since the fibers that supply sympathetic nerves to the face and head originate specifically at the T1-T2 level of the spinal cord and must first pass through the sympathetic chain ganglion (where the sympathectomy is usually done) before heading upward towards the head and face.
Information provided in the forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only, The actual diagnosis and treatment of your specific medical condition should be strictly in conjunction with your treating physicians.





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