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Updated: Jan 5, 2026
09:51
Analyzing Responses of Mouse Olfactory Sensory Neurons Using the Air-phase Electroolfactogram Recording
Published on: March 2, 2010
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Electrophysiologic assessment of olfactory and gustatory function
Hilmar Gudziol1, Orlando Guntinas-Lichius1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
Handbook of Clinical Neurology
|October 13, 2019
Summary
This review explores electrophysiologic methods for assessing smell and taste. It details chemosensory event-related potentials (CSERPs) and gustatory CSERPs for diagnosing sensory function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sensory Physiology
Background:
- Electrophysiologic methods offer objective measures of human sensory function.
- Assessing olfactory, nasotrigeminal, and gustatory systems is crucial for diagnosing neurological and sensory disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review electrophysiologic approaches for evaluating human olfactory and gustatory function.
- To highlight the utility of chemosensory event-related potentials (CSERPs) and summated generator potentials in clinical diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing electroencephalography (EEG) for time and time-frequency domain analysis of brain responses.
- Employing computer-controlled gustometers and electrical tongue stimulation to elicit gustatory and trigeminal responses.
- Measuring summated generator potentials from nasal epithelium and tongue surfaces.
Main Results:
- Modern EEG analysis provides tools for assessing olfactory and nasotrigeminal function.
- Chemosensory event-related potentials (CSERPs) show potential in medical-legal contexts.
- Gustatory event-related potentials (gCSERPs) and tongue-based potentials offer new diagnostic insights into taste function.
Conclusions:
- Electrophysiologic methods, including CSERPs, are valuable for objective assessment of smell and taste.
- Further research into summated generator potentials may enhance diagnostic capabilities for peripheral taste disorders.
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