Although most causes are relatively benign, Horners syndrome may reflect serious disease in the neck or chest (such as a Pancoast tumor (tumor in the apex of the lung) or thyrocervical venous dilatation).Causes can be divided according to the presence and location of anhidrosis:
Central (anhidrosis of face, arm and trunk)
Syringomyelia
Multiple sclerosis
Encephalitis
Brain tumors
Lateral medullary syndrome
Preganglionic (anhidrosis of face)
Cervical rib traction on stellate ganglion
Thyroid carcinoma
Thyroidectomy
Goiter
Bronchogenic carcinoma of the superior fissure (Pancoast tumor) on apex of lung
Klumpke paralysis
Trauma - base of neck, usually blunt trauma, sometimes surgery. As a complication of tube thoracostomy
Thoracic aortic aneurysm
Postganglionic (no anhidrosis)
Cluster headache - combination termed Hortons headache
An episode of Horners syndrome may occur during a migraine attack and be relieved afterwards
Carotid artery dissection/carotid artery aneurysm/trauma
Cavernous sinus thrombosis
Middle ear infection
Sympathectomy
Nerve blocks, such as cervical plexus block, stellate ganglion or interscalene block

Pathophysiology
Horner syndrome is due to a deficiency of sympathetic activity. The site of lesion to the sympathetic outflow is on the ipsilateral side of the symptoms. The following are examples of conditions that cause the clinical appearance of Horners syndrome:
First-order neuron disorder: Central lesions that involve the hypothalamospinal tract (e.g. transection of the cervical spinal cord). Second-order neuron disorder: Preganglionic lesions (e.g. compression of the sympathetic chain by a lung tumor) that releases acetylcholine. Third-order neuron disorder: Postganglionic lesions at the level of the internal carotid artery (e.g. a tumor in the cavernous sinus or a carotid artery dissection) that releases norepinephrine.
Horners syndrome, also known as oculosympathetic paresis, is a combination of symptoms that arises when a group of nerves known as the sympathetic trunk is damaged. The signs and symptoms occur on the same side (ipsilateral) as it is a lesion of the sympathetic trunk. It is characterized by miosis (a constricted pupil), partial ptosis (a weak, droopy eyelid), apparent anhidrosis (decreased sweating), with apparent enophthalmos (inset eyeball).The nerves of the sympathetic trunk arise from the spinal cord in the chest, and from there ascend to the neck and face. The nerves are part of the sympathetic nervous system, a division of the autonomic (or involuntary) nervous system. Once the syndrome has been recognized, medical imaging and response to particular eye drops may be required to identify the location of the problem and the underlying cause. Signs and symptoms
Signs that are found in people with Horners syndrome on the affected side of the face include the following:

ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid)
anhidrosis (decreased sweating)
miosis (constriction of the pupil)
Enophthalmos (sinking of the eyeball into the face)
inability to completely close or open the eyelid
facial flushing
headaches
loss of ciliospinal reflex
bloodshot conjunctiva, depending on the site of lesion. unilateral straight hair (in congenital Horners syndrome); the hair on the affected side may be straight in some cases. heterochromia iridum (in congenital Horners syndrome)Interruption of sympathetic pathways leads to several implications. It inactivates the dilator muscle and thereby produces miosis. It inactivates the superior tarsal muscle which produces ptosis. It reduces sweat secretion in the face.