Frequency and prognostic factors of olfactory dysfunction after traumatic brain injury

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Mette Bratt - , Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Author)
  • Toril Skandsen - , Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Author)
  • Thomas Hummel - , Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (Author)
  • Kent G. Moen - , Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Author)
  • Anne Vik - , Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Author)
  • Ståle Nordgård - , Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Author)
  • Anne S. Helvik - , Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Author)

Abstract

Objective: To assess the frequency and factors associated with posttraumatic olfactory dysfunction, including anosmia, in a follow-up of patients with moderate and severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: The setting was a cross-sectional study of patients that were consecutively included in the Trondheim TBI database, comprising injury-related variables. Eligible participants 18–65 years were contacted 9–104 months post trauma and asked olfactory-related questions. Those reporting possible posttraumatic change of olfaction were invited to further examination using the Sniffin’ Sticks panel. Results: Of 211 eligible participants, 182 (86.3%) took part in telephone interviews and 25(13.7%) were diagnosed with olfactory dysfunction. 60% of these, or 8.2% of all participants, had anosmia. In age-adjusted logistic regression analyses, fall (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.0–6.2), skull base fracture (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.2–7.1) and cortical contusion(s) (OR 6.0, 95% CI 2.1–17.3) were associated with olfactory dysfunction. In an analysis of anosmia, fall (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.1–10.6) and cortical contusion(s) (OR 19.7, 95% CI 2.5-156.0) were associated with the outcome. Conclusion: Of the study participants 13.7% had olfactory dysfunction and 8.2% had anosmia. Higher age, trauma caused by fall and CT displaying skull base fracture and cortical contusion(s) were related to olfactory dysfunction.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1021-1027
Number of pages7
JournalBrain injury
Volume32
Issue number8
Publication statusPublished - 3 Jul 2018
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 29741969
ORCID /0000-0001-9713-0183/work/152545951

Keywords

Keywords

  • ANOSMIA, CT scan, olfactory dysfunction, Traumatic brain injury