Smell Training and Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation for COVID-related Smell Loss

Description

Persistent smell loss that can include diminished or distorted smell function is a common symptom of long COVID syndrome. There are limited treatment options for long COVID-related smell loss. This study aims to determine the efficacy of two at-home treatments, smell training and non-invasive trigeminal nerve stimulation. This study requires participants to conduct daily at-home treatment sessions, attend three in-person study visits at the MUSC Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and complete electronic questionnaires over the 12-week trial, and again at the six-month timepoint. Participants in this trial may benefit directly with an improvement in sense of smell. However, participation may also help society more generally, as this study will provide new information about long COVID-related smell loss and its treatment.

Conditions

Smell Dysfunction, Olfactory Disorder, Long COVID

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

Persistent smell loss that can include diminished or distorted smell function is a common symptom of long COVID syndrome. There are limited treatment options for long COVID-related smell loss. This study aims to determine the efficacy of two at-home treatments, smell training and non-invasive trigeminal nerve stimulation. This study requires participants to conduct daily at-home treatment sessions, attend three in-person study visits at the MUSC Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and complete electronic questionnaires over the 12-week trial, and again at the six-month timepoint. Participants in this trial may benefit directly with an improvement in sense of smell. However, participation may also help society more generally, as this study will provide new information about long COVID-related smell loss and its treatment.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Smell Training and Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation in the Treatment of COVID-related Persistent Smell Loss

Smell Training and Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation for COVID-related Smell Loss

Condition
Smell Dysfunction
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Charleston

Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States, 29425

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * treatment-seeking for COVID-related persistent SL (anosmia, hyposmia, phantosmia or parosmia)
  • * SARS-coV-2 PCR-positive test prior to April 2021
  • * normal sense of smell prior to COVID
  • * naïve to both smell training (ST) and trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS)
  • * able to comprehend English and provide informed consent
  • * history of head injury (e.g. sport, accident, combat blast)
  • * sinonasal condition (e.g. upper respiratory infection, rhinosinusitis, polyps)
  • * neurological disorder (e.g. epilepsy, neurodegenerative disorder, narcolepsy)
  • * serious mental illness (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar, or other psychotic disorder)
  • * suicidal ideation within the last month
  • * current (≤6 months) heavy cigarette smoker (heavy defined as ≥ 10 pack-years)
  • * oral/nasal steroids or other intranasal medications within the last month
  • * immunomodulatory medications
  • * pregnant or trying to become pregnant

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Medical University of South Carolina,

Study Record Dates

2028-05-31