Your Health: Understanding Frey's Syndrome

We've all heard the phrase "mouth-watering," when pertaining to good food. It's not unusual for the thought of certain kinds of food to make us salivate more. But what if it caused us to sweat more? Studies have shown that this is exactly what happens in people who suffer from Frey's Syndrome.

What is Frey's Syndrome?

Also known as Auriculotemporal syndrome, Baillarger's syndrome, Dupuy's syndrome or Frey-Baillarger syndrome, Frey's syndrome creates an almost Pavlovian response in patients when they smell, eat or even talk about food. Instead of salivating however, Frey's syndrome patients experience an excessive warmth, flushing, and/or sweating in the malar (or middle) region of the face. While not a life-threatening condition, Frey's syndrome causes mild discomfort and can create socially uncomfortable situations for those who suffer from it.

While often referred to as auriculotemporal syndrome, this name is misleading, as it often involves more skin than just that found in the area of the auriculotemporal region. In addition to the auriculotemporal region, the skin that is innervated by the long buccal nerve, the lesser occipital nerve, the greater auricular nerve, or any cutaneous branches off the cervical plexus could also be affected. This condition may either be congenital (occurs at birth) or can follow surgery or any other trauma of the parotid, or salivary, gland and/or surrounding area.

What Are the Symptoms of Frey's Syndrome?

Frey's syndrome is characterized by an excessive flushing and/or sweating that is limited to areas around the auriculotemporal nerve and the malar region of the face (often described as the area of the face that is in front of, and just below the ears). In most cases, women who suffer from Frey's syndrome will experience a very warm sensation and their skin may flush in this area, where men usually experience excessive sweating in this region. Sometimes, this condition can extend back into the ears as well, creating a flush in this area also.

Diagnosing and Treating Frey's Syndrome

Diagnosing Frey's Syndrome usually involves looking at the case history, particularly inquiring about parotid surgery or regarding any tumors of the salivary glands. Doctor's then will attempt to create a reaction by stimulating the salivary glands. This is commonly done by having a patient suck on a lemon wedge and then observing the resulting reaction. While the doctor may perform other tests, this is usually the most direct approach to whether or not a patient will be diagnosed with Frey's Syndrome.

Once diagnosed, there are a couple of different methods, commonly used to treat the symptoms of Frey's Syndrome. These include Botox (injections of botulinum toxin, type A) into the affected area, surgery which involves transection of the nerve fibers or treatment using an antichonlinergic medication, which inhibits nerve impulses in this region. While most treatments are moderately successful, many avoid treatment at all, simply due to the fact that the condition is more of an embarrassment as opposed to a serious medical condition that necessitates treatment. Many people who are diagnosed with Frey's Syndrome go on to live normal, healthy lives, without ever having any kind of treatment for their condition.

Sources:

http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdbdetail_abstract.html?disname=Frey%27s%20Syndrome - General information on Frey's Syndrome

http://www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/online/frey/ - Information on Dr. Lucja Frey