Olfactory Training Research Articles

Study on a Flexible Odor-Releasing Device for Olfactory Training

Olfactory training has been shown to be effective in treating olfactory dysfunction. However, there are hardly any devices that can regularly and quantificationally release odors for olfactory training. A new odor-releasing device, which is low-cost, customizable, semi-automatic, and flexible, was developed in this study. The operation of the device can be easily achieved by the examiner, or even by the participant, simply by pressing a few buttons. A controller system with 15 individual relays was employed to master the working logic for the whole process. The device allows the examiner to isolate from the participants using the Bluetooth module in the control board. The odorants and their concentrations stored in the scent bottles can be customized by the specific requirements of different participants. The odors for training are provided by ultrasonic atomizers, which have simple structures, but powerful features. The flow rates of the odors can also be controlled by altering the rotation speed of the fans. Final experiments on practical odor generation further proved the potential of the developed device for olfactory training. More attention should be paid to the improvements of odor generation devices for olfactory training.

A multicenter real-life study to determine the efficacy of corticosteroids and olfactory training in improving persistent COVID-19-related olfactory dysfunction.

No definitive treatment exists to effectively restore function in patients with persistent post-infectious olfactory dysfunction (OD). Corticosteroids have been considered as a therapeutic option in post-infectious OD but their benefit in COVID-19-related OD remains unexplored. We aim to determine the role of the combination of corticosteroids plus olfactory training (OT) in improving persistent COVID-19-related OD. A multicenter real-life cohort study was conducted between December 2020 and April 2022 on patients with reported COVID-19-related OD. Only patients with confirmed OD at Sniffin' Sticks (S'S) and those who attended their 6-month follow-up were included. Patients were started on a combined treatment of corticosteroids and OT. Patients refusing corticosteroids or not doing any treatment formed the control groups. Visual analogue scale (VAS) for sense of smell and SNOT-22 were used to assess patients reported symptoms. Sixty-seven subjects with reported COVID-19-related OD were initially seen. Normosmic patients at S'S (n=14) and those not attending their follow-up (n=9) were excluded. Of the 44 patients included in the analysis, 19 patients had the combined treatment (group A), 16 patients refused to take corticosteroids and did the OT alone (group B) whereas 9 patients did not do any treatment (group C). An improvement of threshold + discrimination + identification (TDI) score (p=.01) and VAS for smell (p=.01) was found in group A whereas only the TDI score improved in group B (p=.04). Presence of comorbidities, age, sex (male), and length of OD negatively influenced olfactory recovery. Our study confirms the importance of OT in long-term OD suggesting that the addition of corticosteroids may give a benefit in terms of patient's perceived olfaction. 2b.

Prednisolone does not improve olfactory function after COVID-19: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundPrednisolone has been suggested as a treatment for olfactory disorders after COVID-19, but evidence is scarce. Hence, we aimed to determine the efficacy of a short oral prednisolone treatment on patients with persistent olfactory disorders after COVID-19.MethodsWe performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-centered trial in the Netherlands. Patients were included if they were > 18 years old and if they had persistent (> 4 weeks) olfactory disorders within 12 weeks after a confirmed COVID-19 test. The treatment group received oral prednisolone 40 mg once daily for 10 days and the placebo group received matching placebo. In addition, all patients performed olfactory training. The primary outcome was the objective olfactory function on Sniffin’ Sticks Test (SST) 12 weeks after the start of treatment, measured in Threshold-Discrimination-Identification (TDI) score. Secondary outcomes were objective gustatory function assessed by the Taste Strip Test (TST) and subjective self-reported outcomes on questionnaires about olfactory, gustatory and trigeminal function, quality of life, and nasal symptoms. The CONSORT 2010 guideline was performed.ResultsBetween November 2021 and February 2022, we included 115 eligible patients, randomly assigned to the treatment (n = 58) or placebo group (n = 57). No difference in olfactory function between groups was obtained after 12 weeks. Median TDI score on SST was 26.8 (IQR 23.6-29.3) in the placebo group and 28.8 (IQR 24.0-30.9) in the prednisolone group, with a median difference of - 1.5 (-3.0 to 0.25). There was similar improvement on olfactory function in both groups after 12 weeks. Furthermore, on secondary outcomes, we obtained no differences between groups.ConclusionsThis trial shows that prednisolone does not improve olfactory function after COVID-19. Therefore, we recommend not prescribing prednisolone for patients with persistent olfactory disorders after COVID-19.Trial registrationThis trial is registered on the ISRCTN registry with trial ID ISRCTN70794078.

Practical Review of Olfactory Training and COVID-19

Olfactory disorders one of the most frequent distinctive symptoms of COVID-19 infection. COVID-19-induced olfactory disorder can be classified as post-infectious olfactory dysfunction (PIOD). The effect of drugs on olfactory disorder following upper respiratory infection, including PIOD, has not been clearly established, which adds to the difficulty with treating the disorder. However, the effect of olfactory training on PIOD has been confirmed by numerous studies. As such, olfactory training is gaining attention, and has taken on greater importance, as the sole treatment for COVID-19–induced olfactory disorder in this pandemic age. This review describes the effect of olfactory training for COVID-19–induced olfactory disorder by analyzing the relevant literature.

No Smell, No Taste—Dealing With a “Senseless” Phase of the Pandemic

The SARS-CoV-2 infection alters smell and taste sensations in many patients. These 2 neurosensory impairments, namely, (1) the loss of smell, an olfactory dysfunction (OD) or anosmia, and (2) the loss of taste, a gustatory dysfunction (GD) or ageusia, are often the earliest and, sometimes, the only signs in otherwise asymptomatic individuals. Both OD and GD are recognized by the international scientific community as one of the critical symptoms of COVID-19. The prevalence of COVID-19–related OD is higher among women (although less likely to experience severe forms of SARS-CoV-2 infection) than men. The total loss of taste sense or GD is more common among the elderly COVID-19 patients than in the younger population. In “long” COVID or postacute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) patients, OD/GD could persist for months to years, depending on the extent of damage caused by the SARS-CoV-2 infection to the olfactory and gustatory systems. Olfactory dysfunction and GD manifestations may severely disrupt quality of life, which includes altered eating habits, loss of appetite, weight change, and loss of pleasure in food consumption, and may further affect psychological well-being, social bonding, altered intimacy, and relationship to self and others. The hedonic value of diet relies exclusively on its flavor; however, the onset of OD/GD during SARS-CoV-2 infection deprives such organoleptic experiences of nutrition. To compensate for these OD/GD issues, the chemosensory focus of COVID-19/PASC patients during dietary consumption may shift toward food texture (to stimulate trigeminal nerves) and food colors (to stimulate brain activity), to sustain appetite as well as enhance the pleasure of eating. Olfactory training with repeated exposure to 4 intense odors twice daily has been a traditional rehabilitation practice to alleviate olfactory impairments in COVID-19. The neurosensory impairments in COVID-19 pathobiology culminate from iron-redox dysregulation, viral-induced host metabolic reprogramming, and host mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, nutritional restoration of host metabolic reprogramming and mitochondrial function could provide an effective strategy to reverse iron-redox dysregulation syndrome and combat OD/GD in COVID-19 and PASC patients. Innate regulators of iron-redox homeostasis, such as lactoferrin, heme oxygenase-1, erythropoietin, and hepcidin modulators, could serve as potential interventions for OD/GD recovery.

Can olfactory training change the psychosocial aspects of chronic pain?

Pain and smell are the oldest senses for apperceive our environment. It is known that chronic pain and olfaction share common limbic cortical regions which are the main parts of the pain neuromatrix such as the anterior cingulate cortex, amygdala, and orbitofrontal cortex. Also, these regions point out the psychosocial aspects of chronic pain. And currently, the most challenging part of chronic pain management is the psychosocial aspect such as kinesiophobia, catastrophizing, or depression. Thus, the connection between olfaction and pain has promising clues to determining new combined therapies with odor training. According to intriguing brain imaging and genetic studies, we hypothesized that patients with chronic pain may have differentiated olfactory thresholds. Further, the additional odor training to the traditional therapeutic approach could be beneficial regarding the patients’ pain perspective and psychosocial domains.

Olfactory training assists in olfactory recovery after sinonasal surgery.

Olfactory dysfunction is a common complaint in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of olfactory training (OT) in patients with CRS after sinonasal surgery. We enrolled 111 patients with CRS who underwent sinonasal surgery. Prior to surgery and 3months after starting OT, the participants were assessed by both an olfactory function test and endoscopy. The Korean version of the Sniffin' Stick II (KVSS-II) was used to perform the olfactory function test. Over the course of 3months, five odorants were used in OT (rose, lemon, cinnamon, orange, and peach). Over a 12-week duration, 37% of the participants in the OT group showed clinically relevant increase in olfactory function. The OT group had significantly higher olfactory outcomes for the total KVSS-II and identification scores than the non-OT group between the initial and follow-up assessments. The initial score influenced the degree of olfactory improvement after OT. Patients with OT exhibited significantly higher total KVSS-II scores compared with non-OT patients following sinonasal surgery; in particular, the odor identification score was different between the two groups. The results of this study demonstrated that a 12-week period of repeated short-term exposure to various odors could be useful in enhancing olfactory activity in patients who underwent sinonasal surgery for the improvement of sensory-neural olfactory impairment. 2c.

Post-COVID-19 olfactory training: How to improve results?

Post-COVID-19 olfactory training: How to improve results?

Ask the Experts: An International Consensus on Managing Post-Infectious Olfactory Dysfunction Including COVID-19.

Purpose of ReviewTo summarise the current understanding of post-infectious olfactory dysfunction (PIOD) and provide a consensus on management of the condition through an evidence-based approach, critically reviewing the available management options.Recent FindingsNew studies investigating the pathophysiology of PIOD in COVID-19 patients have found that in those with persistent symptoms there is an association with lower tissue perfusion in the orbital and medial regions of the frontal lobe. Recent meta-analyses have listed olfactory training as the first line management for PIOD.SummaryOlfactory training remains the most recommended management option for PIOD. The use of systemic corticosteroids to treat PIOD is not encouraged due to poor evidence.

Management of Anosmia in COVID-19: A Comprehensive Review.

With the evolving understanding of COVID-19, a thorough analysis of the effects of this unique coronavirus on the affected people's olfactory abilities could highlight the disease's specific course of treatment. Researchers have discovered that the neurological side effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection include acute anosmia and ageusia. This work aims to review the relevant mechanisms, provide information on COVID-19-related anosmia, and suggest a novel approach to treating long-term anosmia brought on by coronavirus disease. For that, we did a thoroughliterature assessment of the subject from various online resources, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. We evaluated the publications that described anosmia in COVID-19 and its management. In patients with SARS-CoV-2 infections, the angiotensin-converting enzyme two receptor plays a crucial role in the anosmia process. Olfactory systems are directly harmed by new coronaviruses when they connect with sustentacular cells' ACE-2 (Angiotensin converting enzyme-2) receptors. Other suggested processes include the virus's infiltration of the olfactory nerve and the ensuing local inflammation. Therefore, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, or depolarizing medications may be helpful for COVID-19 individuals who have lost their sense of smell. According to the available data, we found outolfactory training, topical or oral corticosteroids, caffeine, insulin, or minocycline may effectively treat COVID-19 odor loss. A novel method of treating long-term COVID-19 with persistent anosmia can be suggested based on recent investigations. The path to effective anosmia management is still somewhat hazy, but there is hope that we can find the right treatment plan with the right clinical trials and additional research. People who lost their sense of smell during COVID-19 can be reassured that recovery is typically possible.

The potential therapeutic effect of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of post-COVID-19 parosmia

BackgroundCOVID-19-related olfactory dysfunction is an emerging problem with a significant impact on the quality of life of affected individuals. Different lines of treatment have been used with varying results. This study aimed to assess the potential therapeutic effect of PRP in the treatment of post-COVID olfactory dysfunction. This work aimed to assess the potential therapeutic effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in treating post-COVID-19 parosmia. A pilot study was conducted on 60 patients with post-COVID parosmia without responding to a 3-month course of olfactory training, topical corticosteroids, omega-three, vitamin B12, and zinc supplementation. The patients were distributed randomly and equally among 2 groups. The case group was subjected to three PRP injections in the olfactory cleft at 3 weeks intervals. The control group continued the pre-study treatment protocol for 6 weeks. The degree of parosmia was assessed before and after treatment subjectively using a visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 to 10. Reaching 0–1 on the visual analog scale was a complete improvement. The primary outcome was assessing the post-treatment score for parosmia 1 month after the third injection in the case group. The second outcome was the comparison between both groups regarding the degree of improvement 1 month after cessation of treatment.ResultsThere was a highly significant improvement in VAS for parosmia (p < 0.00001) in the case group and a significant improvement in VAS for parosmia in the control group (p = P = 0.00148). There was a significant difference between both groups regarding the degree of improvement favoring the case group (p = 0.002).ConclusionPlatelet-rich plasma injection in the olfactory cleft offers a therapeutic option for treating patients with post-COVID-19 olfactory parosmia who failed to respond to traditional conservative treatment.

Pathogenesis and progression of anosmia and dysgeusia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of COVID-19 which was detected in late 2019 in Wuhan, China. As of September 2022, there have been over 612 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 with over 6.5 million associated deaths. In many cases, anosmia and dysgeusia have been identified as primary symptoms of COVID-19 infection in patients. While the loss of smell (anosmia) and loss of taste (dysgeusia) due to COVID-19 infection is transient in most patients, many report that these symptoms persist following recovery. Understanding the pathogenesis of these symptoms is paramount to early treatment of the infection. We conducted a literature review of Google Scholar and PubMed to find and analyze studies discussing anosmia and dysgeusia in the context of COVID-19 to understand the progression and management of these symptoms. The mechanism for dysgeusia is largely unknown; however, pathogenesis of anosmia includes inflammation and cytokine release resulting from the infection that alters neuronal signaling, thus inducing the loss of smell that patients experience. Anosmia may be managed and potentially resolved sooner with a combination therapy of olfactory training and budesonide irrigation of the nasal cavity. It is important to note that the variants of SARS-CoV-2 are genetically distinguished from the original virion due to a mutation in their spike proteins, giving them a different symptom profile regarding anosmia and dysgeusia. This variability in symptomatology is an area of study that needs to be further explored.

Therapeutic options of post-COVID-19 related olfactory dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Olfactory dysfunction is a typical post-COVID-19 presentation, affecting patients' quality of life. There are currently multiple treatment options in this group of patients such as oral and intranasal corticosteroids, olfactory training, oral vitamin-mineral supplementation, amongst others. This meta-analysis aims to consolidate existing evidence for current therapies in patients with persistent olfactory dysfunction related to COVID-19 infection and evaluate the possible role of corticosteroid add-on therapy in olfactory training. A systematic review and meta-analysis to study current treatments/interventions for olfactory dysfunction in post-COVID-19 infection were conducted. Data were pooled for the meta-analysis. The outcomes include subjective or objective olfactory assessment major and minor adverse reactions. Eleven studies (1414 participants) were included in this review, with six studies (916 participants) then assessed for the meta-analysis. Combined treatment of intranasal corticosteroid (INCS) with olfactory training (OT) has no benefit over OT monotherapy from both a VAS score improvement and identification component of Sniffin' Sticks test standpoint. In addition, there were no differences in improvement of TDI score between combined oral corticosteroid (OCS) with OT therapy compared to OT alone. Olfactory function was, however, significantly improved after OT. There were no significant differences in the improvement of olfactory scores in combination INCS+OT or OCS+OT therapies compared to OT monotherapy. However, there is improvement in olfactory function after OT.

Management of post-COVID olfactory disorder: Is olfactory training effective on recovery of olfactory mucosal function?

BACKGROUND: The number of patients presenting with sudden onset and persistant anosmia and other olfactory disorders, which is a finding related to coronavirus disease has been increased considerably. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of olfactory training in patients with persistent anosmia after Covid-19 infection.&#x0D; METHODS: Forty-six patients who applied for sudden loss of smell after Covid-19 infection and still had olfactory disorders were included in the study. Odor threshold and odor identification tests were performed on the patients before the treatment. As olfactory training, 4 scent bottles included the following groups: phenyl ethyl alcohol, eucalyptol group, citronellal group and eugenol group were given to patients and patients instructed to sniff the odors twice a day, for 5 seconds each, when they woke up in the morning and before they went to sleep and make a daily check that they applied the treatment. Patients who continued the training for 12 weeks were re-evaluated with the odor threshold test and odor identification test.&#x0D; RESULTS: The pre-training mean olfactory threshold score of the patients was 1.65±1.74, and the post-training mean olfactory threshold score was 3.89±2.73. It was observed that the olfactory threshold scores increased significantly after the olfactory training (p

Olfactory training outcomes in post COVID 19 olfactory dysfunction

Objectives: The aim of study is to evaluate the olfaction recovery of patients who performed OT (olfactory training) in a post-COVID-19 PPVOD.&#x0D; Methods: Study included 50 patients with a sudden loss of smell and a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis from January 2020 to January 2021 in Kirkuk General Hospital. These participants were submitted to The Sniffin’ Sticks test in order to identify those with persistent olfactory dysfunction who were treated either by olfactory training combined with a 10-day course of oral corticosteroids, or by olfactory training alone.&#x0D; Results: Cross sectional comparative study for 50 patients have history of COVID 19 infection, mean age of patients [47 ± 10] years. [56%] of patients at age group ≥ 45 years, [44%] of patients are females and [56%] are males. The mean of TDI score increase after OT than before OT with significant difference.&#x0D; Conclusion: Olfactory function appeared to improve only in peripheral aspects of post COVID-19 PPVOD after OT. patients &lt; 45 years have high mean of TDI score than patients ≥ 45 years old.

Effectiveness of olfactory training in COVID-19 patients with olfactory dysfunction: a prospective study.

ObjectivesTo investigate effectiveness of olfactory training (OT) in COVID-19 patients with persistent olfactory dysfunction (OD).MethodsFrom March 2020 to March 2022, COVID-19 patients with OD were prospectively followed in three European medical centers for a period of 18 months. A standardized OT protocol were recommended to patients. Patient-reported outcome questionnaires and psychophysical evaluations were used to evaluate olfaction at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months after the start of OT. The evolution of olfactory outcome was compared according to the adherence to the OT protocol.ResultsFifty-seven patients completed the evaluations. Thirty-two patients fully adhered to the OT, while 25 did not adhere. The psychophysical scores significantly improved from baseline to 6-month post-infection in both groups. In the OT group, the psychophysical scores continued to significantly improve from 6 to 12 months after the start of OT (p = 0.032). The mean duration of OT was 15.4 weeks. The mean delay of patient recovery perception was comparable between groups (27.4 weeks). The occurrence of cacosmia (35.1%) and parosmia (43.9%) throughout the follow-up period was comparable between groups. There proportion of phantosmia was higher in training (34.4%) compared with no-OT (16.0%; p = 0.007) group. The baseline Sniffin’Sticks tests was positively associated with the 6-month Sniffin’Sticks tests (rs = 0.685; p < 0.001) and negatively associated with the time of recovery (rs = − 0.369; p = 0.034).ConclusionsThe adherence to an OT protocol was associated with better mid-term improvement of psychophysical scores. Future large-cohort randomized-controlled studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of OT in COVID-19 patients.

Topical Administration of Mometasone Is Not Helpful in Post-COVID-19 Olfactory Dysfunction.

Persistent olfactory dysfunction is a major concern post-COVID-19, affecting up to 5% of all patients. Different therapeutic options, including mometasone nasal spray, have been recommended, only some of which have been validated for post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction. In this study we psychophysically assessed the effect of intranasally applied mometasone furoate on the recovery of olfaction. The spray was applied with a long applicator so that the olfactory cleft could be reached effectively. After olfactory dysfunction had been confirmed psychophysically using Sniffin’ Sticks, patients were randomly assigned to two different treatment arms: the study group (n = 40) underwent olfactory training and intranasal administration of mometasone furoate twice daily, whereas the control group (n = 46) performed olfactory training only. After a study duration of three months, psychophysical testing of olfaction was repeated using Sniffin’ Sticks. We found no benefit of an additional topical administration of mometasone furoate compared to olfactory training alone. These results psychophysically confirm two previous studies which were based on patients’ subjective self-ratings. Our findings are in contrast to current recommendations for the management of olfactory dysfunction post-COVID-19, which might have to be adapted accordingly.

Výsledky liečby porúch čuchu po ochorení covid-19 pomocou čuchového tréningu

Objective: The aim of this study is to fi nd out how many patients with an ongoing smell and taste disorder after COVID-19 infection, can improve the subjective perception of smell by olfactory training method. Methods: Patients after COVID-19 (fi rst and second wave of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021) with persisting smell disorder (hyposmia, anosmia, parosmia, fantosmia) with or without taste disorder and while the olfactory disorder did not improve within one month afterrecovery, signed up on the website www.cuch.sk and asked for a testing set (perfumed felt-tip pens) to be sent. After a self-examination at home, each respondent fi lled out an on-line questionnaire and sent it to the Neurobio logical Institute of the BMC SAV. Patient with confi rmed hypo and anosmia underwent an ENT examination at contracted ENT workplaces in Slovakia. All the 117 patients included got through the olfactory training, twice a day, following the instructions. The control examination was performed after three and six months of smell training. Smell and taste status was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) from 1 to 10 in admission and discharge of the study. According to VAS, the average entering olfactory status was 4 and the average taste status reached an average of 2. At admission, 28 patients entering the study suff ered from parosmia, 18 from phantosmia, and 20 from dysgeusia. Results: After the olfactory training, improvement of smell capability was observed in 96 patients, which is 73% from the whole group of patiets (117) with hyposmia and anosmia. The discharge olfactory score after 6 months of olfactory training reached grade 8 according to VAS. Improvement of taste capability was observed in 47 patients, which is 65% from the whole group of patients (72) with hypogeusia and dysgeusia. The discharge taste score after six months of olfacory training reached grade 4 according to VAS. However, various forms of dysgeusia, parosmia, or phantosmia persisted after the olfactory training in 18 patients. Conclusion: Smell (olfactory) training is currently considered the most eff ective rehabilitation method for improving impaired olfactory function after COVID-19 infection. Better subjective results were observed in the restitution of quantitative smell disorder than in quantitative taste disorder. Key words anosmia – hyposmia – COVID-19 – parosmia – phantosmia – hypogeusia – dysgeusia – olfactory training

Awareness of smell exercise after smell dysfunction related to COVID-19 in Alahsaa, Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a severe acute respiratory syndrome. Globally, COVID-19 has infected more than 573 million people, with over 6.3 million deaths on July 27, 2022. The symptoms range from cold-like symptoms, cough, fever, shortness of breath, and sore throat; additionally, studies show that patients frequently have problems with smell and taste disorders (STD). Aim: We aim to estimate the prevalence of COVID-19-related anosmia, hyposmia, and parosmia in Alahssa, Saudi Arabia and establish the level of awareness of smell exercises. Patients and methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among adults aged 18–60 living in Alahssa, Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire containing an informed consent form and a survey to collect demographic data, vaccination status, level of loss of smell and taste, and the level of awareness about smell exercises was distributed among all participants who agreed to participate in this study. Results: Five hundred twenty-four adults agreed to participate in this study. When we assessed their awareness of the smelling exercise, it was found that only 115 patients (21.9%) were aware. About 49 patients (61.3%) practiced the smelling exercise, and 55% reported improvements afterward. Conclusion: The prevalences of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction were found to be 54.6% and 52.5%, respectively. Awareness of olfactory training was moderately low among those infected with COVID-19, while 28% of the patients who had experienced olfactory disturbances were aware of this training. Active, collaborative research is essential for describing the natural history and effective therapy of chemosensory impairment in COVID-19.

Seizure treatment with olfactory training: a preliminary trial

Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent seizures. Despite miscellaneous antiseizure medications, resistance to treatment is still approximately 30%. This resistance brings forward the multidisciplinary approach and complementary treatments. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of olfactory training on epileptic seizures with special aromas having antiseizure effects in patients diagnosed with drug-resistant epilepsy. A total of 24 patients (14 pediatric and 10 adults) with drug-resistant epilepsy were recruited for the study. Participants were asked to inhale the standardized bottle filled with lavender aroma (Lavandula Angustifolia) twice a day (morning and evening) for 30-45s (2cm in front of nose; 10-15s to right and left nostril and 10-15s to both nostrils) for 3months. The type, frequency, duration of seizures, the quality of life (SF-36 and PedsQL 4.0), and olfactory functions (Sniffin' Sticks Test and Pediatric Smell Wheel) were re-assessed. Statistical analysis showed that olfactory training decreased the seizure frequency (p < 0.001) and the seizure duration (p = 0.02). A global 50% seizure reduction was seen among patients. Moreover, olfactory training increased the quality of life (p = 0.003) and improved the olfactory function in both the pediatric and adult groups (p = 0.017, p = 0.05, respectively). There was no adverse reaction and no increase in seizure frequency. The observations of the present investigation suggest that olfactory training is a successful complementary therapy with no adverse reaction in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Large cohort studies and longer follow-up periods are needed for providing olfactory training as a therapy modality in patients with epilepsy.