auriculotemporal syndrome (medicine)



OVERVIEW

Overview

Auriculotemporal syndrome is a condition that occurs after months to more than a year after parotid infection, trauma, and especially parotid surgery, with symptoms such as transient sweating, flushing, or abnormal sensations in the skin of the cheek in front of the same ear when eating. Mild cases can be treated without treatment or local medication, while severe cases can be treated surgically. In most cases, the symptoms resolve after a few years, while in more severe cases, the symptoms persist for years.

Whether medical insurance

Yes

Department

Neurology, Neurosurgery, Stomatology

Synonyms

Frey syndrome, auriculotemporal nerve syndrome, Frey-Baillarger syndrome, Dupy syndrome, sweaty taste syndrome, Baillaxger syndrome

Clinical Symptoms

Limited flushing, sweating, burning, or unusual sensations on the front of the auricle or on the cheek during eating or chewing. In mild cases, there is only localized discomfort; in severe cases, there is marked flushing and perspiration.

Dangers

In severe cases, it can be prolonged and seriously affect life.

Examination

Localized sweating test, etc.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on medical history, limited flushing, sweating, and burning sensation on the front of the auricle or cheek when eating or chewing, and localized sweating test.

Treatment principle

In mild cases, no treatment or localized medication is given; in severe cases, surgery is performed.

Curability

Symptoms may improve with active treatment.

Dietary advice

Give a light diet, avoid stimulating food, avoid smoking and alcohol.

Causes

Causes

Mostly caused by damage to the auriculotemporal nerve and auriculo-major nerve due to parotid trauma, surgery and infection.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Typical symptoms

1. Most often occurs after parotid surgery or parotid trauma within a few months to a year. 2. Whenever eating or chewing, there is limited flushing, sweating, and burning sensation on the localized skin on the side of the parotid gland where parotid surgery has been performed or where trauma has been suffered, usually in the front of the auricle or on the cheeks. It often appears about 1 minute after eating, and subsides after chewing stops for 1 to 2 minutes.3. In mild cases, it is not easy to notice, and there is only localized discomfort. In severe cases, there is obvious flushing, constant sweating, and unusual distress.

Diagnostic basis

1. History Most of the patients have a history of parotid surgery or parotid trauma and infection. 2. Clinical manifestations (1) Most of the cases occur after parotid surgery or parotid trauma within a few months to one year. (2) Whenever eating or chewing, there is limited flushing, sweating, and burning on the localized skin on the side of the parotid gland that has undergone parotid surgery or trauma, usually in front of the auricle or on the cheek. It often appears about 1 minute after eating, and subsides 1 to 2 minutes after chewing stops. (3) In mild cases, the flushing is not easily noticed and there is only localized discomfort. In severe cases, there is obvious flushing and constant sweating, which is unusually distressing.3. Auxiliary examination is diagnosed by a positive localized sweating test.

Treatment

Treatment guidelines

In mild cases, no treatment or medication is given; in severe cases, surgery is performed.

Medication

In mild cases, 3% scopolamine can be applied locally.

Surgery

Severe cases require surgical treatment, including skin removal of the sweating part, otorrhaphy, intracranial hypoglossal nerve dissection, tympanic plexus dissection, and subcutaneous grafting of broad fascia sheets.

Prognosis

Most of the patients gradually relieve their symptoms by themselves after several years, and a few of them disappear. In the more serious cases, the symptoms may remain unresolved for years, or even exist for a lifetime.

Nursing care

Daily care

1. Maintain emotional stability, avoid mental tension and emotional excitement. 2. Protect the skin and avoid heat, cold and cool wind stimulation. 3.

Diet

Give light diet, avoid stimulating food, avoid smoking and alcohol.