The Frey syndrome (gustatory sweating) following parotid surgery is caused by:

• A Damage to the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve
• B Fibrosis of the subcutaneous tissue causing eccrine gland hypertrophy
• C Sympathetic hyperactivity following cervical sympathetic chain injury
• D Aberrant reinnervation of sweat glands by parasympathetic fibers of the auriculotemporal nerve ✓

Explanation

Frey syndrome occurs when parasympathetic secretomotor fibers of the auriculotemporal nerve (which normally innervate parotid acini) regenerate aberrantly and reinnervate facial sweat glands after parotidectomy. On gustatory stimulation (eating), these misdirected parasympathetic fibers stimulate sweat glands instead of parotid tissue, causing preauricular flushing and sweating. Treatment options include intradermal botulinum toxin injections.

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.