Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Loss Of Smell Suggestive Of Brain Issues?
Question: Is loss of smell related in any way to brain issues and is a brain MRI recommended?
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX, thanks for asking from HCM.
I can understand your concern. The smell is carried by a cranial nerve which is a direct extension of brain. Loss of smell is almost always related to brain except local nasal causes. Loss of smell can occur due to
: Olfactory nerve injury due to trauma/surgery
: Olfactory nerve tumor like meningioma
: CSF (Brain fluid) leak through nasal roof or cribriform plate
: Age related - >60 years age, spontaneous degeneration of nerve starts
: Parkinson and other degenerative disease
Some non brain causes
: Drugs abuse like inhalation of cocaine
: Some drugs like Steroids
: Atrophic rhinitis or common cold or nasal polyp - Local nose pathology which causes blockade in nose and loss of smell.
The list is very long. But I hope you will find it useful.
MRI brain is needed only after confirming loss of smell and ruling out local nasal pathology and non brain causes. It is decided by the neurologist or neurosurgeon. If loss of smell is rapid and associated with other brain symptoms like headache or seizures or focal deficit or brain fluid leak (CSF) or trauma history, MRI is advisable.
Hope you will find my answer useful. Thanks. Take care.
If still any doubt, do let me know.
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX, thanks for asking from HCM.
I can understand your concern. The smell is carried by a cranial nerve which is a direct extension of brain. Loss of smell is almost always related to brain except local nasal causes. Loss of smell can occur due to
: Olfactory nerve injury due to trauma/surgery
: Olfactory nerve tumor like meningioma
: CSF (Brain fluid) leak through nasal roof or cribriform plate
: Age related - >60 years age, spontaneous degeneration of nerve starts
: Parkinson and other degenerative disease
Some non brain causes
: Drugs abuse like inhalation of cocaine
: Some drugs like Steroids
: Atrophic rhinitis or common cold or nasal polyp - Local nose pathology which causes blockade in nose and loss of smell.
The list is very long. But I hope you will find it useful.
MRI brain is needed only after confirming loss of smell and ruling out local nasal pathology and non brain causes. It is decided by the neurologist or neurosurgeon. If loss of smell is rapid and associated with other brain symptoms like headache or seizures or focal deficit or brain fluid leak (CSF) or trauma history, MRI is advisable.
Hope you will find my answer useful. Thanks. Take care.
If still any doubt, do let me know.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
