Investigating treatments for persistent smell loss after COVID-19
Official title: A randomized controlled trial of smell training and trigeminal nerve stimulation in the treatment of COVID-related persistent smell loss
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11099886 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for people who have lost their sense of smell because of COVID-19 to try a new treatment that combines smell training with a special type of nerve stimulation, to see if it helps them recover better than just standard care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $606,135 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC021179-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099886 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have experienced smell loss due to COVID-19 and are struggling with related cognitive or mood impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced smell loss or those with smell loss due to causes unrelated to COVID-19 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores new treatment options for individuals experiencing ongoing smell loss due to COVID-19. It combines smell training with trigeminal nerve stimulation to enhance recovery from this condition. Participants will engage in a randomized controlled trial, where they will receive either the combined treatment or standard care. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of these interventions in improving not only smell but also related issues such as mood and cognitive function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from persistent smell loss and associated symptoms following COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using smell training for similar conditions, but this specific combination of treatments is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cortese, Bernadette — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Cortese, Bernadette
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.