[Syndromes of combined damage to the greater and lesser superficial petrosal nerves (paradoxical phenomena of hyperemia of the face, salivation, lacrimation and mucus secretion)].

Combined damage to the large and small superficial petrosal nerves is associated with paradoxical phenomena: face hyperemia, profuse salivation from the parotid gland, lacrimation and mucus secretion from the nose. Face hyperemia and salivation develop following atropine administration (an atropine salivatory paradox) while lacrimation and mucus secretion at the impaired side usually develop during eating. The above is explained by the development of ephaptic ("false") relation between the damaged nerves.