RecruitingPhase 2Phase 3NCT05855369

Study of Chemosensory Enhancement Through Neuromodulation Training (SCENT for Long COVID)

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Smell Training and Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation in the Treatment of COVID-related Persistent Smell Loss

Sponsor

Medical University of South Carolina

Enrollment

145 participants

Start Date

Oct 2, 2023

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Long COVID Smell Dysfunction Olfactory Disorder

Summary

Persistent smell loss that can include diminished or distorted smell function is a common symptom of long COVID syndrome. There are limited treatment options for long COVID-related smell loss. This study aims to determine the efficacy of two at-home treatments, smell training and non-invasive trigeminal nerve stimulation. This study requires participants to conduct daily at-home treatment sessions, attend three in-person study visits at the MUSC Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and complete electronic questionnaires over the 12-week trial, and again at the six-month timepoint. Participants in this trial may benefit directly with an improvement in sense of smell. However, participation may also help society more generally, as this study will provide new information about long COVID-related smell loss and its treatment.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 65 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This clinical trial is studying Active Smell Training (ST), Placebo Smell Training (PBO), and others for people with long covid, olfactory disorder, and other related conditions. The study is currently recruiting participants at 1 location. People eligible for this study include aged 18 Years to 65 Years.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

DEVICETrigeminal Nerve Stimulation (TNS)

Non-invasive, pain-free, low-level electrical stimulation to the forehead to modulate the trigeminal nerve and enhance smell function through activation of the highly connected olfactory-intranasal trigeminal brain circuits.

OTHERActive Smell Training (ST)

Sniffing various higher intensity odorant chemicals while performing odor-related cognitive tasks. 16 odorant chemicals will be used for training including: 2 phenyl ethanol, eugenol, lemon, eucalyptus, cinnamon, peppermint, coffee, mandarin, lavender, vanilla, lilac, ginger, chocolate, thyme, banana, and bacon.

OTHERPlacebo Smell Training (PBO)

Sniffing the same lower intensity odorant chemicals (i.e. N-butanol and 2-phenyl ethanol) over the course of the trial and performing no odor-related cognitive tasks.