‘If I haven’t got any smell … I’m out of work’: Consequences of olfactory impairment following traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Primary objective: Although estimates of the incidence of post-traumatic olfactory dysfunction range from 10–66.8%, there has been little research into its functional implications. The objective of this study was to describe the impact of olfactory impairment on daily activities and social participation from the perspective of adults who are living with the impairment.

Research design: A qualitative research design based on a constructivist grounded theory approach.

Methods and procedures: Purposive sampling of five participants with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) who reported post-injury changes in their olfactory function was utilized. No participant had a pre-injury history of olfactory disturbance. The presence of olfactory disturbance was confirmed using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). A semi-structured interview was employed to ascertain the participants’ experiences. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analyses applied.

Conclusions: The themes that emerged demonstrated olfactory dysfunction has significant impact on a range of activities and social roles.

• Post-traumatic anosmia
• acquired brain injury
• rehabilitation

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the participants for their generous contribution to this research.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.