Specific neurological disorders cause sweating to appear on only one half of the face
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 90/100
Specific neurological and autonomic disorders can indeed cause sweating and flushing to appear on only one half of the face, a phenomenon classically recognized as Harlequin syndrome or associated with conditions like Horner's syndrome (Lance et al., 1988; Gökçay et al., 2017).
Evidence for · 5
Harlequin syndrome: the sudden onset of unilateral flushing and sweating.
1988 · cited by 209
Lance et al. (1988) describe patients presenting with unilateral facial flushing and sweating caused by autonomic or neurological deficits.
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More for · 4
The "harlequin" sign and congenital Horner's syndrome.
1997 · cited by 49
Biousse et al. (1997) discuss the harlequin sign involving unilateral facial flushing and anhidrosis linked to neurological lesions like congenital Horner's syndrome.
Harlequin Syndrome with Crossed Sympathetic Deficit of the Face and Arm
2005 · cited by 30
Ali et al. (2005) characterize Harlequin syndrome as unilateral hyperhidrosis and flushing driven by autonomic and neurological dysfunction.
Idiopathic Harlequin Syndrome Manifesting during Exercise: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
2017 · cited by 24
Gökçay et al. (2017) note that Harlequin syndrome is a rare autonomic disorder featuring unilateral facial sweating and flushing induced by physical or emotional triggers.
Unilateral facial flushing and anhidrosis: a case of idiopathic Harlequin syndrome with successful botulinum toxin treatment
2026 · cited by 0
Recent literature confirms that unilateral facial flushing and sweating can stem from underlying neurological or structural abnormalities affecting sympathetic innervation.