Frey's syndrome (auriculotemporal nerve syndrome) occurs after parotidectomy due to aberrant reinnervation. The symptom triad consists of:
- A Ipsilateral deafness, tinnitus, and vertigo
- B Gustatory sweating, flushing, and warmth over the preauricular skin during eating ✓
- C Facial weakness, parotid swelling, and trismus
- D Paresthesia of the cheek, jaw deviation, and dry mouth
Correct answer: B. Gustatory sweating, flushing, and warmth over the preauricular skin during eating
Explanation
Frey's syndrome results from misdirected regeneration of parasympathetic secretomotor fibers from the auriculotemporal nerve into the sympathetic nerve pathways to sweat glands in the preauricular skin. During eating (parasympathetic stimulation), sweating rather than salivation occurs in the parotid region. The triad is gustatory sweating, skin flushing/erythema, and warmth of the preauricular skin on the affected side. Prevention uses a barrier such as a temporoparietal fascial flap during parotidectomy.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.