Auriculotemporal nerve syndrome.

INTRODUCTION

Auriculotemporal nerve syndrome is characterized by erythema, perspiration, heat and pain localized in the area supplied by the auriculotemporal nerve in response to gustatory stimuli after the ingestion of different types of food. This syndrome may be confused with food allergy.

CASE REPORT: A 21-year-old woman complained of erythema, sweat and heat in the right cheek after intake of several foods such as chocolate, fruits, and nuts for the previous 8 months. She had fractured her jaw two years previously.

METHODS

Skin prick tests were performed with a standard battery of common inhalant allergens and with an extensive panel of food allergens. Prick-by-prick tests were also performed with fruits, nuts, and cacao. Total and specific IgE were measured. Open oral food challenge test was performed.

RESULTS

Skin prick tests were positive for grass and olive pollen. Prick-by-prick tests and specific IgE antibodies to the different foods were all negative. Open oral challenge test with apple reproduced the symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This benign syndrome is often misdiagnosed as a food allergy.