Possible causes of sialorrhoea
Level of problem | Examples |
---|---|
Increased saliva production—hypersialia | Anticonvulsants—especially clobazam and clonazepam |
Antipsychotic medication | |
Nasal blockage—obligate nasal breathing | Adenoid/tonsillar hypertrophy |
Oral cavity | Dental malocclusion |
Poor lip closure | |
Caries, gum disease, ulcers | |
Salivary gland epithelial tumours (rare!) | |
Isolated bulbar dysfunction | Worster Drought syndrome |
Cranial nerve palsies | Bell's palsy |
“Static” generalised motor disorder | Spastic quadriplegic or dystonic cerebral palsy |
Acquired brain injuries | |
Progressive motor disorder | Juvenile Parkinson's disease |
Neurodevelopmental | Cognitive and awareness difficulties—“oral sensory dysfunction” |
Severe learning disability | |
Autism |