Abnormal fifth cranial nerve physiology Sweating and flushing in the preauricular area in response to mastication 2024-03-29T17:23:48Z Frey syndrome Sweating and flushing in the preauricular area in response to mastication or a salivary stimulus. Facial warmth, flushing, and sweating in the territory of the auriculotemporal nerve overlying the parotid gland, which may include the preauricular skin, the temporal skin, the scalp, and the temporomandibular joint region. Symptoms occur during meals, especially with spicy and sour foods. This feature is inferred to be a consequence of injury to the auriculotemporal nerve, a branch if the trigeminal nerve.