Frey’s syndrome – can the troublesome syndrome be prevented?

• Published in: Przegląd dermatologiczny Vol. 107; no. 5; pp. 464 - 468
• Main Authors: Antoszewska, Magdalena, Mehrholz, Dorota M., Barańska-Rybak, Wioletta
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Poznan Termedia Publishing House 01-01-2020
• Subjects: auriculotemporal nerve syndrome; auriculotemporal syndrome; Botulinum toxin; Dermatology; frey’s syndrome; gustatory sweating; Iodine; Prevention; Surgery; Sweating
• ISSN: 0033-2526; 2084-9893
• DOI: 10.5114/dr.2020.101675

Introduction Frey’s syndrome was first described by the Polish neurologist Łucja Frey in 1923. It occurs 2–12 months after injury to the parotid gland and it is clinically manifested by sweating, flushing, and a sense of warmth localized in the area of the auriculotemporal nerve, which occurs during eating meals. Objective This case report provides information about preventive methods to minimize the risk of developing Frey’s syndrome after parotidectomy. Case report The case concerns a 28-year-old patient with Frey’s syndrome after a partial superficial parotidectomy. Although treatment with botulinum toxin type A was recommended, the patient postponed the treatment due to pregnancy. Conclusions Different choices for the treatment have been proposed, although with no clear evidence of safety and efficacy. The risk of Frey’s syndrome can be reduced with the appropriate surgical methods, which enable filling the parotid bed. Thoughtful planning before surgery may prevent troublesome treatment.