What is Frey's syndrome?
Jul 25, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
Frey's syndrome generally refers to auriculotemporal syndrome, a set of symptoms that occur following injury to the auriculotemporal nerve. This condition typically arises after parotid surgery. The underlying cause is aberrant regeneration and misdirected reinnervation, in which severed parasympathetic nerve fibers originally innervating the salivary glands reconnect incorrectly with the cut sympathetic nerve endings that previously controlled sweat glands and subcutaneous blood vessels.
Frey syndrome, generally referring to auriculotemporal syndrome, is a set of symptoms that occur following injury to the auriculotemporal nerve. The details are as follows:
Auriculotemporal syndrome usually occurs after parotid gland surgery. The underlying cause is aberrant regeneration and misconnection between severed parasympathetic nerve fibers originally responsible for parotid secretion and sympathetic nerve endings that previously innervated sweat glands and subcutaneous blood vessels. When chewing or taste stimuli occur, parasympathetic activation leads simultaneously to facial flushing and sweating in the affected area. Symptoms of auriculotemporal syndrome are typically mild and easily overlooked; treatment is generally not required. However, if symptoms are severe and facial flushing or sweating significantly affects daily life, medications such as butylbromide scopolamine capsules or oryzanol tablets may be prescribed under medical guidance. Additionally, surgical options such as auricular nerve section or intracranial sectioning of the glossopharyngeal nerve may be considered after consultation with a physician.
If auriculotemporal syndrome is suspected, prompt medical evaluation is recommended. Receiving standardized treatment under a doctor's supervision can aid in recovery.
