health and medicine question #48

Bonita, a female from the Internet asks on August 13, 1999,

Q:

I lost my sense of smell after a fall from a horse 5 years ago. The back of my head hit the pavement. Is there any information you can direct me to for help restoring this problem?
viewed 12337 times

the answer

Barry Shell answered on August 13, 1999, A:

This sort of thing happens frequently with people in head on car crashes when their heads hit the windshield or dashboard. Either there is damage to an epithelial layer of odour-sensing cells, or the nerve connecting these cells to part of the brain is broken or disturbed. You need to go see a good neurologist.

For more information, search the 'Net for "anosmia", "loss of smell", "olfaction" etc. There's a lot out there. For an older but still relevant literature review on olfaction, see Lancet Ann Rev Neurosci 9:329-355 (1986). Also: Mombaerts Ann, Rev Neurosci 22: 487-509. Also check http://www-surgery.ucsd.edu/ent/davidson/NDC/booklet.htm http://health.ucsd.edu/health_info/smell.htm

Add to or comment on this answer using the form below.
(required)
(required if you would like a response)
Note: All submissions are moderated prior to posting.
If you found this answer useful, please consider
making a small donation to science.ca.