[Drooling in neuropediatric patients]

Drooling is defined as an anterior salivary flow which can be insufficiently controlled due to dysphagia und orofacial motoric deficits. It leads to moistened lips, chin, hands and surrounding in diverse extent. Drooling can severely interfere social contacts and requires more nursing facilities. A multidisciplinary approach in diagnostics and therapy is essential. Key points are the evaluation of inhibited swallowing and of orofacial motoric deficits. In the therapy of drooling, scopolamine patches and oral stimulation plates are useful but within the last few years, the injection of botulinum toxin into the salivary glands produced positive effects, as this therapy is an effective, well tolerated and safe option in these children. Surgical corrections of the salivary glands are more and more reserved for isolated cases.