Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyReferences

View all Images (3)

Auriculotemporal syndrome in Adult
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Auriculotemporal syndrome in Adult

Contributors: Carolyn Zyloney MD, Richard L. Barbano MD, PhD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Auriculotemporal syndrome (also known as Frey syndrome or gustatory sweating syndrome) is a rare neurologic disorder of autonomic dysreflexia producing hyperhidrosis and facial flushing. This condition is thought to be the result of an injury to the parasympathetic nerves of the face or neck near the parotid glands, causing the nerves to aberrantly regenerate and innervate superficial blood vessels and sweat glands rather than the salivary glands.

Auriculotemporal syndrome often occurs after facial surgery or trauma. Up to 60% of patients can develop this syndrome after parotid gland surgery. Onset of symptoms can occur in the immediate postoperative period or may be delayed for several months after surgery.

The main sign is gustatory sweating, which is excessive sweating in the facial and periauricular areas after eating (especially foods that produce a strong salivary response such as sour, spicy, or salty foods). Flushing and erythema may also occur. Cases range from mild to severe.

Anticholinergics or antihidrotics are the first course of treatment.

Related topic: Hyperhidrosis

Codes

ICD10CM:
G50.8 – Other disorders of trigeminal nerve

SNOMEDCT:
45294007 – Auriculotemporal Syndrome

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential

Subscription Required

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Reviewed:04/03/2019
Last Updated:04/03/2019
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Auriculotemporal syndrome in Adult
A medical illustration showing key findings of Auriculotemporal syndrome : Facial flushing, Erythema, Facial sweating
Clinical image of Auriculotemporal syndrome - imageId=4815673. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'Flushing of the cheek.'
Flushing of the cheek.
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.