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Updated: May 8, 2026
10:42
A Free-breathing fMRI Method to Study Human Olfactory Function
Published on: July 30, 2017
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
Summary
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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