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Olfactory dysfunction in pediatric traumatic brain injury: a systematic review

Kathleen Bakker1, Cathy Catroppa, Vicki Anderson

  • 11 Victorian Pediatric Rehabilitation Service, Royal Children's Hospital , Parkville, VIC, Australia .

Journal of Neurotrauma
|September 12, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause olfactory dysfunction, impacting smell. Research shows a link between injury severity and smell loss in children, but more study is needed.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Neuropsychological outcomes of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) are well-studied.
  • Olfactory dysfunction after pediatric TBI is under-researched, despite its prevalence in adults.
  • Clinical reports indicate anosmia occurs after pediatric TBI, but prevalence and recovery are unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and provide objective information on olfactory dysfunction following pediatric TBI.
  • To assess the prevalence and recovery patterns of smell impairment in children post-TBI.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review of published literature was conducted.
  • Broad inclusion criteria were applied to identify relevant studies.
  • Studies were evaluated for methodological quality and comparability.

Main Results:

  • Only four studies met the inclusion criteria, limited by methodological weaknesses and small sample sizes.
  • Consistent findings reported anosmia and olfactory dysfunction in pediatric TBI cohorts.
  • A dose-response relationship was identified between injury severity and olfactory dysfunction.

Conclusions:

  • Olfactory dysfunction is a significant outcome of pediatric TBI.
  • The prevalence and recovery of olfactory dysfunction require further investigation.
  • Future research should address methodological limitations and explore the link between injury severity and smell loss.

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