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What Causes Excessive Drooling While Suffering From Stroke?
I had a severe blood pressure stroke on May 10, 2013. I cry uncontrollably often. I also have excess saliva on my right side of my face and drooling up to my right eye. It is really annoying and gets in the way of my recovery. I really have a hard time eating as well. Do you have any thoughts on this? Thank you! EllenS
Tue, 28 Apr 2015
Hello Elen!
I read your question and I understand what you are going through.
The drooling is a common symptom caused by difficulty swallowing and facial muscle weakness after a stroke . Contributing factors may include hypersecretion of saliva, dental malocclusion, postural problems, and an inability to recognize salivary spill. There are different ways to deal with it:
1.Anticholinergic medications, such as glycopyrrolate and scopolamine, are effective in reducing drooling, but their use may be limited by side effects. 2.The injection of botulinum toxin type A into the parotid and submandibular glands is safe and effective in controlling drooling, but the effects fade in several months, and repeated injections are necessary.
3.Surgical intervention, including salivary gland excision, salivary duct ligation, and duct rerouting, provides the most effective and permanent treatment of significant sialorrhea and can greatly improve your situation.
So I would recommend to consult with your GP and make the best choice. You can start initially with anticholinergic therapy and if you can not tolerate it , go to the other alternatives.
Hope to have been of help!
Best wishes!
Dr. Abaz Quka
I read your question and I understand what you are going through.
The drooling is a common symptom caused by difficulty swallowing and facial muscle weakness after a stroke . Contributing factors may include hypersecretion of saliva, dental malocclusion, postural problems, and an inability to recognize salivary spill. There are different ways to deal with it:
1.Anticholinergic medications, such as glycopyrrolate and scopolamine, are effective in reducing drooling, but their use may be limited by side effects. 2.The injection of botulinum toxin type A into the parotid and submandibular glands is safe and effective in controlling drooling, but the effects fade in several months, and repeated injections are necessary.
3.Surgical intervention, including salivary gland excision, salivary duct ligation, and duct rerouting, provides the most effective and permanent treatment of significant sialorrhea and can greatly improve your situation.
So I would recommend to consult with your GP and make the best choice. You can start initially with anticholinergic therapy and if you can not tolerate it , go to the other alternatives.
Hope to have been of help!
Best wishes!
Dr. Abaz Quka
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