The nerve also conveys post-ganglionic parasympathetic fibres from the otic ganglion to the parotid gland.

[3] It arises by two roots[2]: 497  that circle around either side of the middle meningeal artery[1][2]: 363  before uniting to form a single nerve.

[citation needed] Shortly after the secretomotor parasympathetic fibers branch from the auriculotemporal nerve (parotid branches) to innervate the parotid gland, the auriculotemporal nerve comprises exclusively somatosensory fibers.

[citation needed] This nerve, as it courses posteriorly to the condylar head, is frequently injured in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery, causing an ipsilateral paresthesia of the auricle and skin surrounding the ear.

Treatment involves the application of an antiperspirant or glycopyrrolate to the cheek, Jacobsen's neurectomy along the middle ear promontory, and lifting of the skin flap with the placement of a tissue barrier (harvested or cadaveric) to interrupt the misguided innervation of the sweat glands.