Frequency and prognostic factors of olfactory dysfunction after traumatic brain injury. (3rd July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bratt, Mette; Skandsen, Toril; Hummel, Thomas; Moen, Kent G.; Vik, Anne; Nordgård, Ståle; Helvik, Anne-S.
• Is Part Of: Brain injury. Volume 32:Number 8(2018)
• Page Start: 1021
• Page End: 1027
• Publication Date: 2018-07-03
• Subjects: Traumatic brain injury -- olfactory dysfunction -- ANOSMIA -- CT scan; Brain damage -- Periodicals; Brain -- Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Brain Injuries -- Periodicals; 617.481
• DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2018.1469043
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-9052

Abstract

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.