Beitragstitel | Chemosensory function in posttraumatic patients: The role of olfactory distortions |
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Beitragscode | O12 |
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Präsentationsform | Vortrag |
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Abstract-Text |
Aims: The significance of olfactory distortions after head trauma is poorly understood. We aimed to establish chemosensory function of posttraumatic patients (PP) and analyzed whether olfactory distortions influence the degree of chemosensory impairment. Methods : We performed a retrospective study based on 75 patients with olfactory complaints following head trauma. We assessed their chemosensory function with Sniffin’ Sticks (olfaction), lateralization test (trigeminal), and taste strips (taste). Demographics, test and CT scan/MRI results were reported in a database. Data were analyzed with unpaired t-test with Welch's correction, Mann-Whitney test, and Fischer’s exact test. Statistical significance was reached when p < 0.05. Results: Besides olfaction, taste and trigeminal function were also slightly below normal values in PP. The mean identification test score (+/-SD) was higher in the group with distortions (7.1+/-2.6; n=34) compared to the group without (5.6+/-3.2; n=41; p < 0.05). Regarding the percentage of subjects with cerebral abnormalities, gender and results of other chemosensory tests, there was no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: We found that PP with olfactory distortions have better odor identification test scores compared to those without. A longitudinal study is needed to assess whether these symptoms may be a prognostic factor for olfactory recovery after head trauma. |