title: Loss of trigeminal sensitivity reduces olfactory function.
abstract: The trigeminal and olfactory nerves share overlapping innervation areas in the nasal cavity and seem to work in an interactive way. Loss of olfactory function leads to a decreased trigeminal sensitivity, as shown in anosmic subjects. To report the impact of disturbed trigeminal sensitivity on the olfactory function, we present a patient with unilateral loss of trigeminal function resulting from a meningeoma. Thresholds to a selective olfactory stimulus were elevated by a factor of 64 on the affected side. Recordings of event-related potentials in response to olfactory stimuli showed a significantly reduced response on the affected side. This report indicates that loss of trigeminal function may affect the sense of smell.
authors.affiliation: Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Dresden Medical School ("Technische Universität Dresden"), Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Husner
authors.forename: Johannes
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Frasnelli
authors.forename: Antje
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Welge-Lüssen
authors.forename: Gilfe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Reiss
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Zahnert
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hummel
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008577:Meningeal Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology; D008579:Meningioma / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D012903:Smell / Q000502:physiology*; D014276:Trigeminal Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*