Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may offer a promising treatment for chronic loss of smell caused by head trauma, according to Belgium’s Epicura Hospital and the University of Mons (UMons).
Dr Jérôme Lechien, an ENT specialist at Epicura and a lecturer at UMons, conducted a study with 33 patients suffering from post-traumatic smell disorders. Significant improvement in olfactory function was observed in 66.7% of participants after PRP injections, even in cases where the trauma occurred more than five years ago.
While the findings are promising, Dr Lechien emphasised caution, noting that this is only a preliminary study with a small sample size.
Loss of smell, clinically referred to as anosmia, occurs in 10–20% of head trauma patients, particularly in those who experience fractures or severe concussions. In extreme cases, individuals can lose their sense of smell entirely.
The condition profoundly impacts quality of life, particularly through its effects on taste and nutrition. According to Dr Lechien, between 7% and 20% of the European population suffers from anosmia.
Dr Lechien’s prior research had already demonstrated the effectiveness of PRP in treating post-viral anosmia, including cases linked to COVID-19. Success rates for this treatment ranged between 70% and 80%.
Widely regarded as a pioneer of PRP therapy in Belgium, Dr Lechien plans to present his latest findings at the annual conference of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery this October.
