Is Dysosmia And Brain Tumor Interrelated?

Posted on Tue, 4 Mar 2014

Question: dysosmia and brain tumors, ...how common as a cause?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Brain tumors common if persistent dysosmia... Detailed Answer: Hi, Dysosmia is referring to the changes in sense of smell. The most common causes of dysosmia include peripheral damages to the head and nose (trauma), viral or sinus infections, allergy, nasal polyps/tumors. Usually, changes in smelling would last up to 2 months or less and will not require any special treatment other than washing of nasal drips or by using nasal drops. With regards to brain tumors or other brain damages, they are not considered as common cause, although routine MRI and EEG are carried out to rule them out. Usually, brain tumors are associated with other symptoms (including seizures, sudden loss of consciousness) and dysosmia, in these cases, will persist for longer time (more than 2-3 months). Hope it was of help! Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (23 hours later)

Thank you for info. Dysosmia for about 3 months but no neurological symptoms to this point. I will observe and hope runs its course.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Advised to run further tests.... Detailed Answer: Hi back, Thank you for following up. If you had dysosmia for about 3 months, it is time to run further neurological tests: - MRI - EEG - Ct-scan of head to exclude neurological problems. If everything is ok, then, might be related to local nasal problems (allergy, polyps). Take care! Dr.Albana

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar