WHEN EATING TRIGGERS SWEATING: A CASE OF POST-TRAUMATIC FREY’S SYNDROME

Frey’s syndrome, also known as auriculotemporal nerve syndrome, causes localized sweating, flushing, and warmth on the face, usually on one side, triggered by eating, tasting, seeing, or thinking about food. Gustatory sweating and flushing are caused by aberrant regeneration of autonomic nerve fibers following parotid gland trauma or surgery. Although symptoms typically develop within months after injury, delayed presentations may complicate diagnosis and prolong patient discomfort. This case highlights the importance of recognizing delayed-onset Frey’s syndrome and demonstrates successful minimally invasive treatment with botulinum toxin A. A 34-year-old male presented with progressive unilateral facial sweating triggered by mastication. About three to four years after parotid trauma and surgery, the patient began to notice wetness on the left side of their cheek while eating. Minor’s starch-iodine test was used, which is considered the gold standard for diagnosing Frey's syndrome. Intradermal botulinum toxin A injections were successfully administered throughout the mapped region. This case illustrates that accurate history-taking, early recognition of characteristic symptoms, and appropriate diagnostic testing are essential for the effective management of Frey’s syndrome.