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European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology

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21-12-2023 | Smelling Disorder | Rhinology

Trigeminal function in patients with COVID-associated olfactory loss

Authors: J. H. Juratli, K. Garefis, I. Konstantinidis, T. Hummel

Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology | Issue 5/2024

Abstract

Purpose

Olfactory dysfunction (OD) can be a long-term consequence of various viral infections, including COVID-19. Dysfunction includes hyposmia/anosmia and parosmia (odor distortions). Interactions of the virus with the olfactory nerve have been extensively researched, but little is known about the interactions of the intranasal trigeminal nerve system in modulating this sensory loss.

Methods

We investigated intranasal trigeminal function across COVID-19 OD patients with and without parosmia compared to normosmic controls, to determine whether (1) post-viral hyposmia and/or (2) post-viral hyposmia with parosmia is associated with altered trigeminal function. OD patients (n = 27) were tested for olfactory function using the extended Sniffin’ Sticks olfactory test and for trigeminal function through three methods—odor lateralization, subjective ratings of nasal patency, and ammonium vapor pain intensity ratings. This group was subsequently compared to controls, normosmic subjects (n = 15).

Results

Our findings revealed that post-COVID OD patients without parosmia experienced decreased sensitivity in ammonium vapor pain intensity ratings and odor lateralization scores—but similar nasal patency ratings—compared to normosmic controls. There were no significant differences in trigeminal function between OD patients with and without parosmia.

Conclusions

Based on our results, we conclude that the trigeminal nerve dysfunction may partially explain post-viral OD, but does not seem to be a major factor in the generation of parosmia pathophysiology.

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Title: Trigeminal function in patients with COVID-associated olfactory loss
Authors: J. H. Juratli
K. Garefis
I. Konstantinidis
T. Hummel
Publication date: 21-12-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Smelling Disorder
Smelling Disorder
COVID-19
Post-COVID Syndrome
Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology / Issue 5/2024
Print ISSN: 0937-4477
Electronic ISSN: 1434-4726
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-023-08391-1

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Springer Medicine

Trigeminal function in patients with COVID-associated olfactory loss

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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