Sialorrhea is defined as the involuntary, passive pooling and spillage of saliva from the mouth due to the inability to process oral secretions. Although it is common in children who have not developed oral neuromuscular control (younger than 24 months), drooling in individuals 4 years or older is considered abnormal.
1-4 Patients with neurologic disorders such as Bell palsy, mental retardation, and cerebral palsy often experience excessive drooling.
5 In children diagnosed as having cerebral palsy, it is estimated that 10% to 37% have sialorrhea.
5,6