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Horner Syndrome with headache.

I am a 57 year old male.  Almost 6 years ago, while undergoing surgery to attempt to correct a cervical disc problem (spinal stenosis), the surgeon that was trying to get to the spine through an anterior approach, went off the centerline and cut into my right vertrebral artery.  During the flurry of activity that ensued while they were busy fixing the bleeding, the sympathetic nerve was apparently damaged causing me to have Horner Syndrome affecting my right eye.  My symptoms of horners are pretty classic.  My right eyelid droops, my right pupil is very small, and I do not perspire on the right side of my face.   I am also experiencing a severe headache that is directly behind my right eye.  That headache is always there, it never goes away.  I have been taking a narcotic based pain medication for a long time that is beginning to lose its effectiveness.  My Neurologist has had me on Neurontin, and antiseizure meds, with no results.  His most recent discussion with me included a discussion on the use of Methadone.  I declined, the oxycodone is bad enough.  This same neurologist has pretty much told me that there is nothing more that he can do for me, and that I am welcome to come back to see him again, but there is nothing more that he can do for me.  I am to return to see him on a PRN basis.  Let me ask, please, any ideas from here?  I am getting close to my end on this and I don't know how much more I can put up with.
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Avatar universal
I too have Horners Syndrone, newly diagnosed 2 weeks ago.  I know i had it for awhile but my work and home life has been very stressful.  Thank you for sharing your information. I've been out on leave for almost 2 weeks and really dont see myself getting better.  I have been researching about this and how to live with it.  The headaches and pressure constantly is really making me weary.  I'm wondering how i can go back to work and have a good quality of life.  I'm 53 and have not had any health issues. It scary not knowing how long this will last and if it will go away.  My neurologist does not seem to have any answers for me. I know life goes on but i'm angry I have to deal with this.
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Avatar universal
Thanks for asking, I haven't been on the site for several months, and had just about forgotten about it.  To simply state, No, my headache has not improved.  I have spoken to several Neurologists, and none of them seem to have an answer.  I could go back into surgery to see if they could locate where the nerve is that was apparently damaged, but I would rather live with the headache.  I have managed to get off of the pain meds, and am living with it.  I am working a full schedule, and doing everything that I can.  My sleeping habits are not the best, I get about 6 hours of interrupted sleep a night, and am almost constantly tired.  Bottom line is that I am living with it.  Thank You very much for asking.  GARY
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Avatar universal
Just wondering how you made out and if your Horner syndrome had improved since your surgery.
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