Holmes-Adie
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What is Holmes-Adie syndrome ?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
What is Holmes-Adie syndrome ?
Holmes-Adie syndrome (HAS) is a neurological disorder affecting the pupil of the eye and the autonomic nervous system. It
is characterized by one eye with a pupil that is larger than normal and constricts slowly in bright light (tonic pupil),
along with the absence of deep tendon reflexes, usually in the Achilles tendon. HAS is thought to be the result of a viral
or bacterial infection that causes inflammation and damage to neurons in the ciliary ganglion, an area of the brain that controls eye movements, and the spinal ganglion, an area of the brain involved in the response of the autonomic nervous system. HAS begins gradually in one eye, and often
progresses to involve the other eye. At first, it may only cause the loss of deep tendon reflexes on one side of the body,
but then progress to the other side. The eye and reflex symptoms may not appear at the same time. People with HAS may also
sweat excessively, sometimes only on one side of the body. The combination of these 3 symptoms – abnormal pupil size, loss
of deep tendon reflexes, and excessive sweating – is usually called Ross’s syndrome, although some doctors will still diagnosis
the condition as a variant of HAS. Some individuals will also have cardiovascular abnormalities. The HAS symptoms can appear
on their own, or in association with other diseases of the nervous system, such as Sjogren’s syndrome or migraine. It is
most often seen in young women. It is rarely an inherited condition.
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
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Last updated February 13, 2007