Frey syndrome before Frey: the correct history

Abstract

Objective: To review the chronology of publications on gustatory sweating before Frey's landmark publication.

Methods: Reports on Frey syndrome were reviewed, and all references given to publications before 1950 were obtained and examined. References to prior publications in the obtained articles were similarly reviewed. The cases described in these publications were analyzed for their compatibility with the accepted clinical symptoms of Frey syndrome.

Results: Despite numerous references, the case described by Duphenix in 1757 is most probably a traumatic parotid fistula. The first reported case of Frey syndrome should be attributed to Baillarger in 1853.