Smell Training for Loss of Smell

(SCENT-OL Trial)

This trial aims to help people who have lost their sense of smell by testing a new combination of treatments. Participants will use a special device that stimulates nerves on the forehead while they perform traditional smell training exercises. This combination, called Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation-enhanced Smell Training, is being studied to determine if it can improve not only smell but also mood, sleep, and overall quality of life. Individuals who have experienced smell loss and have not previously tried this nerve stimulation treatment may qualify to join. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to important findings.

Research has shown that trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) is a safe and non-invasive technique. One study found that 30 minutes of TNS improved the sense of smell in healthy adults without major side effects. Another study confirmed that TNS is a simple and safe method to enhance the sense of smell. These studies reported no serious negative effects, suggesting that participants tolerate the treatment well. While these findings are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the safety and effectiveness of this treatment for different groups of people.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about the Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation-enhanced Smell Training (TNS-enhanced ST) because it offers a new approach to treating loss of smell. Unlike traditional methods that mainly rely on olfactory training alone, this treatment incorporates trigeminal nerve stimulation, which might enhance the brain's ability to process smell. This technique involves an at-home, user-friendly setup where participants stimulate the trigeminal nerve via gel pads on their forehead, potentially making the treatment more effective and accessible. This novel mechanism of action could offer new hope for individuals struggling with smell loss.

This trial will evaluate the effectiveness of combining smell training with trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) to improve the sense of smell. Research has shown that 30 minutes of TNS can enhance the sense of smell without major side effects. Participants in this trial will undergo TNS-enhanced smell training for 8 weeks. Previous studies have indicated that participants who combined smell training with TNS reported overall improvements in mood, sleep, and quality of life. Specifically, one study found that adding TNS to smell training led to better results than smell training alone. Overall, the evidence suggests this combined method holds promise for individuals who have lost their sense of smell.¹²³⁴⁵