Assessment of olfactory function

Research output: Contribution to book/Conference proceedings/Anthology/ReportChapter in book/Anthology/ReportContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Numerous techniques are available for the investigation of chemosensory functions in humans. They include psychophysical measures of chemosensory function, e.g. odor identification, odor discrimination, odor thresholds, odor memory, and retronasal perception of odors. In order to assess changes related to the patients' quality of life or effects of qualitative olfactory dysfunction, questionnaires are being used. Measures relying to a lesser degree on the subjects' cooperation are e.g. chemosensory event-related potentials, odor-induced changes of the EEG, the electroolfactogram, imaging techniques, or measures of respiration. In a clinical context, however, psychophysical techniques are most frequently used, e.g. tests for odor identification, and odor thresholds. Interpretation of results from these measures is frequently supported by the assessment of chemosensory event-related potentials. Other techniques await further standardization before they will become useful in a clinical context.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationTaste and Smell
EditorsThomas Hummel, Antje Welge-Lüssen
PublisherS. Karger AG
Pages84-98
Number of pages15
ISBN (electronic)978-3-318-01351-1
ISBN (print)978-3-8055-8123-3
Publication statusPublished - 2006
Peer-reviewedYes

Publication series

SeriesAdvances in oto-rhino-laryngology
Volume63
ISSN0065-3071

External IDs

Scopus 33746642173
ORCID /0000-0001-9713-0183/work/164619762

Keywords

Keywords

  • Brain/anatomy & histology, Chemoreceptor Cells/physiology, Electroencephalography, Evoked Potentials/physiology, Humans, Olfaction Disorders/diagnosis, Psychophysics/methods, Quality of Life/psychology, Surveys and Questionnaires, Trigeminal Nerve/physiology