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Auriculotemporal nerve syndrome.
L Sánchez-Morillas1, M Reaño Martos, M Rodríguez Mosquera
1Clínica Puerta de Hierro, Madrid, Spain. lsanchezmorillas@hotmail.com
Allergologia Et Immunopathologia
|October 24, 2003
Summary
Auriculotemporal nerve syndrome causes facial flushing and sweating after eating, mimicking food allergies. A case study confirmed apple as a trigger, highlighting the need for accurate diagnosis to avoid unnecessary food restrictions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Allergology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Auriculotemporal nerve syndrome presents with localized facial erythema, perspiration, heat, and pain triggered by gustatory stimuli.
- This condition is often misdiagnosed as a food allergy due to overlapping symptoms.
Observation:
- A 21-year-old woman experienced right cheek erythema, sweat, and heat post-ingestion of various foods over eight months.
- A history of jaw fracture was noted in the patient.
Findings:
- Skin prick tests for common allergens and specific IgE antibodies to food allergens were negative.
- Prick-by-prick tests for fruits, nuts, and cacao were also negative.
- An open oral challenge test with apple successfully reproduced the patient's characteristic symptoms.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis of auriculotemporal nerve syndrome is crucial to differentiate it from food allergies.
- This distinction prevents unnecessary dietary restrictions and anxiety for patients.
- Understanding gustatory sweating triggers aids in managing this benign neurological condition.