Jefferson Health researchers in Philadelphia have discovered a possible cure for parosmia, a persistent and severe symptom that some long-term COVID-19 patients experience.
Parosmia, a disorder characterized by an enhanced sense of smell that turns pleasant fragrances into unpleasant ones, has long baffled patients and therapists alike. Stellate ganglion block was a practical, innovative therapy for persons who developed parosmia for at least six months following their initial COVID-19 infection. Â
Noticeable changes in smell and taste were markers of coronavirus infections at the start of the epidemic. According to a UK study, study participants who reported a loss of scent at the outset of the epidemic were still having parosmia six months later. Doctors are still baffled by parasmia after a viral infection, and no cure has been discovered. Â
Dr. Adam Zoga, emeritus professor of musculoskeletal radiology at Jefferson Health, led the landmark study. A local anesthetic is injected into the nerve network of the neck, which delivers impulses to the upper chest, arms, neck, and head during the stellate ganglion block treatment. This medication, which has roots in pain management, has shown promise in reducing the chronic symptoms of parosmia. Â
In just one week, 22 of 37 patients who had a stellate ganglion block injection at Jefferson Health reported a significant improvement in their scent distortion. Even more remarkable is the fact that 18 of these people experienced considerable symptom relief after only one month. If the first injection is effective, individuals may need another one on the opposite side of their neck to maintain the advantages. Â
Dr. Zoga emphasized that the therapy can significantly enhance the quality of life of patients whose parosmia has badly damaged their mental and physical health. A poignant example of this is a mother whose child’s favorite foods were off-limits before surgery owing to the strong detergent odor. The stellate ganglion block is an outpatient operation that takes around 10 minutes and does not need anesthesia.
Before providing the injection, the doctor can accurately pinpoint the nerve bundle at the base of the neck using modern imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound. Drooping eyelids, dilated pupils, and momentary loss of vision lasting around 10 minutes are potential but temporary side effects that illustrate the operation’s safety and practicability.
Dr. Kristine Smith of the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Utah Health argues that the injections may cause a neurological reset, which might explain the treatment’s success. She does point out, however, that many people’s olfactory anomalies resolve on their own, without the need for medicine. There have been contradictory results when using nasal steroid sprays and fragrance retraining as treatment. Â
Dr. Nyssa Farrell, an otolaryngologist in St. Louis, is presently taking part in clinical research to determine the efficiency of stellate ganglion block in the treatment of severe parosmia. Although some people’s symptoms recur after a short amount of time without therapy, early trials show considerable improvements. According to Dr. Farrell, more study is needed to evaluate the long-term effects and the need for booster dosages. Â
Although earlier therapies for parosmia, such as steroids or scent training, were ineffective, the stellate ganglion block gives hope to those who have exhausted all other choices. Surprisingly, 87% of 195 people in a Texas research with long-term COVID-19 symptoms reported an improvement in their olfactory issues after injection.
In Dr. Farrell’s previous study, half of the twenty people who had an entire or partial loss of smell had positive results. The stellate ganglion block is an attractive new treatment option for people with parosmia, and doctors are continually looking for improved methods to address long-term COVID-19 symptoms.
The findings, presented at the annual conference of the Radiological Society of North America, were a significant advance in our understanding and management of this complex disease. When tested in human trials, this innovative medicine offers promise for improving the lives of many people suffering from the severe effects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Â
News Reference Â
Neck injection could improve smell issues in some long Covid patients. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/neck-injection-improve-smell-issues-long-covid-patients-rcna125192Â
