A Randomized Controlled Trial of Smell Training and Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation in the Treatment of COVID-related Persistent Smell Loss

What this Trial Is About

Persistent smell loss, including reduced or distorted smell, is a common symptom of long COVID syndrome, with limited treatment options available. This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two at-home treatments: smell training and non-invasive trigeminal nerve stimulation, in adults with COVID-related persistent smell loss. The study is a randomized controlled trial comparing active smell training, placebo smell training, and a combination of trigeminal nerve stimulation with active smell training. Participants will be assigned to one of three groups: one group will perform 30 minutes of trigeminal nerve stimulation once daily plus smell training twice daily, five days a week for 12 weeks; another group will do active smell training twice daily for five minutes, five days a week for 12 weeks; and the third group will receive placebo smell training twice daily for five minutes, five days a week for 12 weeks. The interventions focus on stimulating smell function through cognitive tasks and electrical stimulation. During the 12-week trial, participants will complete daily at-home treatment sessions, attend three in-person visits at the Medical University of South Carolina, and fill out electronic questionnaires. They will be followed up again at six months. Researchers will measure changes in olfactory function, perceived intensity and pleasantness of odors, quality of life related to smell, and the impact of smell loss. Secondary measures include changes in long COVID symptoms, attention, cognitive function, mood, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Study of Chemosensory Enhancement Through Neuromodulation Training (SCENT for Long COVID)