Smell training plus non-invasive nerve stimulation to boost sense of smell
Official title: Study of Chemosensory Enhancement Through Neuromodulation Training (SCENT): Open Label
Run by Medical University of South Carolina · NCT07689773 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This test will try adding non-invasive trigeminal nerve stimulation to standard smell training for adults with smell loss to see if it improves olfactory function.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Medical University of South Carolina Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Charleston, South Carolina) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 10, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2028 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | August 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07689773 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–80 with self-reported or documented smell loss who are treatment-seeking and have not previously tried trigeminal nerve stimulation.
✕Probably not a fit
Results may show no meaningful improvement for some individuals or limited benefit relative to baseline.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This open-label Phase 2 study investigates whether combining trigeminal nerve stimulation with standard smell training can enhance olfactory function in adults with olfactory impairment. Participants complete an 8-week at-home treatment regimen and attend three in-person assessments to measure changes in smell, mood, sleep, and quality of life. The approach builds on the known interaction between olfactory and trigeminal pathways and aims to overcome the limitations of smell training alone. The study will help determine preliminary efficacy and inform future randomized trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience improvements in smell and related quality of life measures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous smell training studies show promise but have modest effects; combining neuromodulation is a novel approach with early supportive rationale.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-80 * Self-reported or medically documented smell loss * Treatment-seeking for their smell loss * Naïve to TNS * Able to comprehend English and provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Medical Records not available to confirm eligibility * Documented/Suspected head injury (e.g. sport, accident, blast exposure) * Neurological disorder (e.g. epilepsy, neurodegenerative disorder) * Serious mental illness (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) * Suicidal ideation within the last month * Current (≤6 months) and/or heavy cigarette smokers (i.e. ≥ 10 pack-years) * Oral/nasal steroids or other intranasal medications * Immunomodulatory medications * Pregnant or trying to become pregnant
Where it's running
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Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Bernadette Cortese, PhD
- Email: corteseb@musc.edu
- Phone: 8437926922
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.