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Updated: Aug 19, 2025

A Free-breathing fMRI Method to Study Human Olfactory Function
Published on: July 30, 2017
Investigations and Outcomes for Olfactory Disorders
Louis Luke1,2, Liam Lee2, Lavandan Jegatheeswaran1
1Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department, James Paget University Hospital, James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Great Yarmouth, UK.
Purpose Of Review:
To provide a detailed overview of the investigations and core outcome measures for olfactory disorders.
Recent Findings:
Olfactory disorders can have a detrimental impact to the quality of life of patients. There are a wide range of causes of olfactory loss including sinonasal conditions, idiopathic, post-head trauma or infection. This review highlights the key investigations and reasoning for their use to clinically assess and research patients with olfactory disorders. In addition, this review outlines the core outcome measures for olfaction that will help inform future research in olfactory disorders.
Summary:
A systematic approach with history taking and examination particularly with nasal endoscopy can determine the cause of the olfactory disorder in most cases. Specific olfactory disorder questionnaires can demonstrate the impact on quality of life, while psychophysical testing can objectively assess and monitor olfaction over time. Olfactory-evoked potentials and functional MRI are reserved for research, whereas CT and MRI imaging are used depending on history and examination. A core outcome set for olfaction has been developed that will help standardise the outcome measures used in olfaction and olfactory disorders research.
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