A Case of Crocodile Tear Syndrome / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

The syndrome of crocodile tear refers to an abnormal gusto-lacrimal reflex where any gustatory stimulation produces excessive tearing as well as salivation. It is a relatively rare syndrome that has mainly been observed after a recovery from a peripheral facial nerve palsy, surgery of the acoustic neuroma or in a congenital syndrome. The most commonly accepted mechanism for the pathogenesis of the crocodile tear syndrome is that of aberrant regeneration of nerve fibers or that of transaxonal transmission. Crocodile tear syndrome may be effectively treated by intraglandular injections of botulinum toxin. Authors experienced a case of crocodile tear syndrome that occurred after the removal of acoustic neuroma; it was treated successfully by injection of botulinum toxin into the lacrimal gland. We report this case with the related literatures.