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Olfactory perception in patients with a mild traumatic brain injury: a longitudinal study

ABSTRACT Objective This longitudinal study aimed to evaluate olfactory perception in patients with first time mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) 2–4 weeks (baseline) and 6 months (follow-up) following their trauma. Methods At baseline, we enrolled 107 participants (54 healthy controls; 53 patients with mTBI). Thirty-nine healthy controls and 32 patients with mTBI returned for follow-up. We assessed odor detection (yes/no paradigm) and odor perception with a self-reported evaluation of intensity and pleasantness of four common odorants, by using an olfactometer, i.e., a computer controlled automated odor presentation device. Results At baseline, patients with mTBI showed significantly more difficulty detecting odors; however, they perceived them as more intense and less pleasant. These effects vanished at follow-up. Conclusion These results suggest that patients with mTBI suffer from altered olfactory detection and perception in the first weeks following their trauma. This may have an impact on eating behavior and quality of life. Further, our data suggest recovery of olfactory function within the first six months following a head trauma.