Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in the US have developed a treatment for parosmia (inability to perceive odors normally) based on inhibition of the stellate ganglion. In this respect reports RSNA (Radiological Society of North America).
Parosmia is an impairment in the perception of odors that is one of the most characteristic symptoms of coronavirus and often persists even after recovery. Studies show that up to 60% of COVID-19 patients experience this phenomenon. In some people, symptoms of parosmia persist for months or even years after infection, negatively affecting their appetite and overall quality of life.
American scientists have developed a method of treatment for parosmia based on blocking the stellate ganglion using computed tomography. Stellate ganglia are large nerve plexuses composed of sympathetic nerve fibers that play a role in regulating involuntary processes such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration and digestion. The research team used a blocking technique that involved injecting anesthetic directly into the stellate ganglion on one side of the neck to stimulate the regional autonomic nervous system.
54 patients participated in the experiment. They placed a spinal needle at the base of the neck to inject into the stellate ganglion. Along with the anesthesia, the scientists also injected the volunteers with corticosteroids to reduce the nerve inflammation that sometimes accompanies COVID-19.
Further observations of 37 patients showed that in 22 of them, parosmia symptoms began to subside a week after the injection. Of these 22, 18 reported even greater improvement one month after the procedure. Twenty-six patients requested a second injection, but the procedure had no effect. No complications or adverse events were reported.
Scientists noted that other treatments have not yielded results so far. Additional research is needed to develop the new technology.
Psychologists before Established The connection between aromas and color perception.