What condition is referred to as Frey's syndrome?

Frey's syndrome, also known as gustatory sweating, is characterized by sweating in the regions of the face or neck, particularly over the parotid gland area, that occurs during eating or the anticipation of eating. This phenomenon arises due to aberrant innervation after damage to the facial nerve. Specifically, the postganglionic parasympathetic fibers meant for the parotid gland may become misdirected to the sweat glands in the skin, leading to this unusual but notable clinical presentation.

The condition often follows surgical procedures involving the parotid gland or trauma affecting the area. When a patient eats, the normal stimulation of the parotid gland results in not only saliva production but also involuntary sweating in the same region, which can be confusing and distressing for those affected.

Other conditions listed do not accurately describe Frey’s syndrome: facial nerve paralysis usually pertains to loss of motor function rather than sweating, dry mouth relates to insufficient saliva production (xerostomia), and throat swelling refers to edema in the throat area, which is entirely different from the facial sweating associated with Frey’s syndrome. Thus, the correct identification of Frey's syndrome as post-gustatory sweating over the parotid gland maintains alignment with the