Certain viruses can damage olfactory sensory neurons. The cause of COVID-19 anosmia is not clear, but it is presumably caused by a dysfunction of the cells supporting the olfactory nerve.

The onset of olfactory dysfunction can take months to resolve. In the case of COVID-19, eight out of ten people may lose their sense of smell, along with their sense of taste. Once the infection subsides, the olfactory nerve resumes its proper function. Most people regain their senses within 60 days of recovering from COVID-19. However, in some cases, taste and smell disturbances may persist, leading to both dietary and psychological problems.

Treatment

Stellate ganglion block has long been used for various purposes, including the treatment of facial pain. However, since COVID-19, its effectiveness in treating COVID-19-induced anosmia (olfactory dysfunction) has been demonstrated. Among the patients treated at our clinic, we have achieved improvement in over 80% of cases.(1–3)

Source:

1. Liu LD, Duricka DL. Stellate ganglion block reduces symptoms of Long COVID : A case series. 2020;(January).

2. Watson DLB, Campbell M, Hopkins C, Smith B, Kelly C, Deary V. Altered smell and taste: Anosmia, parosmia and the impact of long Covid-19. PLoS One [Internet]. 2021;16(9 September):1–18. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0256998

3. Kalava A, Benyahia SA, Tico Calzada R, Staat CM. Efficacy of Stellate Ganglion Block in Treating Long-Term COVID-19-Related Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction: A Case Series. Cureus. 2023;15(6):1–5.

Long-Term COVID-19-Related Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction: A Case Series