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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

A Free-breathing fMRI Method to Study Human Olfactory Function
Published on: July 30, 2017
Loss of trigeminal sensitivity reduces olfactory function
Alexander Husner1, Johannes Frasnelli, Antje Welge-Lüssen
1Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Dresden Medical School ("Technische Universität Dresden"), Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
Abstract:
The trigeminal and olfactory nerves share overlapping innervation areas in the nasal cavity and seem to work in an interactive way. Loss of olfactory function leads to a decreased trigeminal sensitivity, as shown in anosmic subjects. To report the impact of disturbed trigeminal sensitivity on the olfactory function, we present a patient with unilateral loss of trigeminal function resulting from a meningeoma. Thresholds to a selective olfactory stimulus were elevated by a factor of 64 on the affected side. Recordings of event-related potentials in response to olfactory stimuli showed a significantly reduced response on the affected side. This report indicates that loss of trigeminal function may affect the sense of smell.
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