A novel procedure that involves injecting an anesthetic into a bundle of nerves in the neck may help people who have lost their sense of smell and taste due to Covid-19, according to a new study.
The procedure is called a stellate ganglion block. It is usually used to treat pain and post-traumatic stress disorder, but some doctors have found that it can also improve smell and taste disorders in some patients with long Covid.
The stellate ganglion is a group of nerves that are part of the sympathetic nervous system, which controls automatic bodily functions, such as blood pressure, digestion and heart rate. The stellate ganglion also connects to the olfactory nerve, which is responsible for transmitting smell signals from the nose to the brain.
By injecting a local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion, the doctors aim to block the sympathetic nerve activity and reduce inflammation in the olfactory nerve. This may allow the nerve to heal and restore the sense of smell and taste.
What are the benefits and risks of the procedure?
The procedure is relatively simple and quick, lasting about 15 minutes. It is done under local anesthesia and does not require hospitalization. The patients can resume their normal activities after the procedure.
The procedure has shown promising results in some patients who have tried it. For example, Jennifer Henderson, a 54-year-old woman from Ohio, who lost her sense of smell and taste after getting Covid in January 2021, said that she regained her senses immediately after the procedure. She said that she cried when she smelled coffee for the first time in a year.
However, the procedure is not without risks and limitations. Some of the possible side effects include bruising, bleeding, infection, nerve damage, droopy eyelid, dry eye, voice change and difficulty swallowing. The procedure is also not a cure for everyone, as some patients may not respond to it or may experience only temporary improvement. The procedure is also not widely available or covered by insurance, and may cost up to $1,500 per session.
What is the evidence for the procedure?
The procedure is still experimental and has not been tested in large-scale clinical trials. The evidence for its effectiveness is based on small studies and anecdotal reports from doctors and patients.
One of the studies was conducted by Dr. Christina Shin, a pain management specialist at the Cleveland Clinic, who has treated more than 100 patients with long Covid-related smell and taste disorders using the stellate ganglion block. She said that about 70% of her patients reported improvement after the procedure, and some of them had complete recovery. She is planning to launch a clinical trial to test the procedure more rigorously.
Another study was done by Dr. Zara Patel, an ear, nose and throat surgeon at Stanford University, who has treated 40 patients with the procedure. She said that about 60% of her patients had improvement, and some of them had dramatic changes. She is also conducting a clinical trial to compare the procedure with a placebo.
What are the alternatives to the procedure?
The procedure is not the only option for people who have lost their sense of smell and taste due to Covid-19. There are other treatments that may help, such as:
- Olfactory training: This is a process that involves sniffing different odors over a period of months to retrain the brain to recognize different smells. It has shown promise in some clinical trials and is recommended by many experts as the first-line treatment for smell disorders.
- Vitamin A nasal drops: This is a treatment that involves applying vitamin A, which is essential for the health of the olfactory nerve, into the nostrils. It is being tested in a clinical trial in the UK, and some preliminary results suggest that it may help some patients recover their sense of smell and taste.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: This is a treatment that involves taking medications, such as steroids or ibuprofen, that may reduce inflammation in the olfactory nerve and improve its function. However, the evidence for this treatment is weak and inconsistent, and it may have side effects, such as stomach ulcers, infections and mood changes.
What should people do if they have lost their sense of smell and taste due to Covid-19?
People who have lost their sense of smell and taste due to Covid-19 should consult their doctor and seek professional advice. They should not try any treatments without medical supervision, as they may be harmful or ineffective. They should also be patient and hopeful, as most people recover their senses within a few weeks or months, and some may recover even after a year or more.