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Olfactory Training for Loss of Smell

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Nicholas Rowan, MD

Research Sponsored by Johns Hopkins University

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Preoperative diagnosis of benign sellar or parasellar skull base pathology

Be older than 18 years old

Must not have

History of chronic rhinosinusitis

History of gastrectomy

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up pre-operative visit (baseline), 2 weeks post-operative, 1 month post-operative, 3 months post-operative, 6 months post-operative

Summary

This trial seeks to understand the effects of surgery on smell and taste and test a potential treatment to hasten recovery.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for English-speaking individuals with benign tumors at the base of their skull who haven't had previous surgeries or treatments in that area, no history of chronic sinus issues, neurocognitive disorders, or intrinsic problems with smell and taste. Those with pacemakers, gastrectomy, or malignant tumors are excluded.

What is being tested?

The study tests if olfactory training after surgery can improve the sense of smell and quality of life faster compared to a placebo training. It's designed to understand how surgery affects smell and taste and whether specific postoperative exercises can help recovery.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this trial involves non-invasive olfactory training rather than medication or surgical intervention, significant side effects are not anticipated. However, participants may experience frustration or fatigue from regular sensory exercises.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

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I have a non-cancerous tumor near the base of my skull.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

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I have a long-term history of sinus infections.

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I have had surgery to remove all or part of my stomach.

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I have been diagnosed with a cancerous tumor near the base of my skull.

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I have had sinus surgery.

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I have had surgery on the base of my skull.

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I have had radiation or other treatments for issues in my face, nose, or skull.

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I have a history of taste or smell disorders.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ pre-operative visit (baseline), 2 weeks post-operative, 1 month post-operative, 3 months post-operative, 6 months post-operative

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~pre-operative visit (baseline), 2 weeks post-operative, 1 month post-operative, 3 months post-operative, 6 months post-operative

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and pre-operative visit (baseline), 2 weeks post-operative, 1 month post-operative, 3 months post-operative, 6 months post-operative for reporting.