Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
How Can I Treat And Potentially Regenerate My Olfactory Nerve After A Minor Brain Injury?
I had a minor brain injury which damaged my olfactory nerve. I now have a loss of smell & taste...my MRI results had this listed as one of the findings: minimal paranasal sinus disease and trace bilateral mastoid effusions. My question is...how would you treat this & what can I do at home to try & regenerate those nerves??
posted on
Tue, 6 Feb 2024
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 16 Oct 2025
Answered on
Fri, 31 Oct 2025
Last reviewed on
Hello,
Loss of smell (anosmia) after even a minor brain injury is quite common and distressing. However, there are chances of recovery depends on the extent of olfactory nerve damage, presence of inflammation or obstruction in nasal passages/sinuses, time since the injury. You are advised saline nasal irrigation, doing this improves nerve exposer. Warm compresses over the sinuses is helpful.
Nasal corticosteroid sprays reduce inflammation around the olfactory cleft and reduces discomfort. You are advised to take vitamin B, as it supports nerve function, and omega 3 fatty acid rich food or supplements to promote nerve regeneration.
Stay hydrated, take antioxidant-rich diet like berries, leafy greens, etc. Steam inhalation helps open the Eustachian tubes and manages bilateral mastoid effusions. Valsalva maneuver gently blowing air with nose pinched can help equalize ear pressure and helps mastoid effusions. Get clinically get examined by an ENT (especially one with smell and taste clinic experience). Meet a neurologist if the MRI shows persistent structural injury. You may need imaging, smell tests, or emerging treatments.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
Loss of smell (anosmia) after even a minor brain injury is quite common and distressing. However, there are chances of recovery depends on the extent of olfactory nerve damage, presence of inflammation or obstruction in nasal passages/sinuses, time since the injury. You are advised saline nasal irrigation, doing this improves nerve exposer. Warm compresses over the sinuses is helpful.
Nasal corticosteroid sprays reduce inflammation around the olfactory cleft and reduces discomfort. You are advised to take vitamin B, as it supports nerve function, and omega 3 fatty acid rich food or supplements to promote nerve regeneration.
Stay hydrated, take antioxidant-rich diet like berries, leafy greens, etc. Steam inhalation helps open the Eustachian tubes and manages bilateral mastoid effusions. Valsalva maneuver gently blowing air with nose pinched can help equalize ear pressure and helps mastoid effusions. Get clinically get examined by an ENT (especially one with smell and taste clinic experience). Meet a neurologist if the MRI shows persistent structural injury. You may need imaging, smell tests, or emerging treatments.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....