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Epiphora

Epiphora

Epiphora is overflow of tears down the cheek. This may be due to a blocked nasolacrimal duct, or irritation to the cornea causing increased lacrimation, but it may also be neurological in origin, e.g., due to the sagging of the lower eyelid (ectropion) in a peripheral facial VII nerve (Bell’s) palsy, or the "crocodile tears" following aberrant facial nerve regeneration. Lacrimation is also a feature of trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, such as cluster headache.

 

Cross References

Bell’s palsy; Crocodile tears