Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 25, 2026

Assessing Changes in Volatile General Anesthetic Sensitivity of Mice after Local or Systemic Pharmacological Intervention
Published on: October 16, 2013
Loss of Smell and Taste After General Anesthesia: A Case Report
Jason Joe Baker1, Stina Öberg, Jacob Rosenberg
1From the Center for Perioperative Optimization, Department of Surgery, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract:
This case report describes a patient, who lost the ability to smell and taste after receiving a propofol-based general anesthesia for a laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Immediately after the procedure, the patient had anosmia (loss of smell), ageusia (loss of taste), and light dysphagia. Assessment by an otorhinolaryngologist and the results of a magnetic resonance imaging could not clarify the pathology behind these symptoms. Although there are several plausible explanations for the patient's anosmia and ageusia (eg, cerebral infarcts, nerve damage, chronic sinusitis), the most likely explanation is an uncommon adverse drug reaction to the anesthetic agents used during the procedure.
Related Concept Videos
Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure
General Anesthesia: Overview
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
Taste Buds and Receptors
Stages of General Anesthesia
Local Anesthetics: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...

