Tests two at-home treatments for lasting smell loss after COVID
Tests smell training and nerve stimulation in adults with long-lasting smell loss.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Study of Chemosensory Enhancement Through Neuromodulation Training (SCENT for Long COVID)
Key facts
- Where
- Charleston, United StatesSee the site
- Phase
- Phase 2/3
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Source: NCT05855369, who can take part
Where in United States
- Medical University of South CarolinaCharleston, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Medical University of South Carolina
- Trial code
- NCT05855369
- Record updated
- 2 April 2026
- Original description
Persistent smell loss that can include diminished or distorted smell function is a common symptom of long COVID syndrome. There are limited treatment options for long COVID-related smell loss. This study aims to determine the efficacy of two at-home treatments, smell training and non-invasive trigeminal nerve stimulation. This study requires participants to conduct daily at-home treatment sessions, attend three in-person study visits at the MUSC Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and complete electronic questionnaires over the 12-week trial, and again at the six-month timepoint. Participants in this trial may benefit directly with an improvement in sense of smell. However, participation may also help society more generally, as this study will provide new information about long COVID-related smell loss and its treatment.Read full original descriptionShow less
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Smell Training and Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation in the Treatment of COVID-related Persistent Smell Loss
Persistent smell loss that can include diminished or distorted smell function is a common symptom of long COVID syndrome. There are limited treatment options for long COVID-related smell loss. This study aims to determine the efficacy of two at-home treatments, smell training and non-invasive trigeminal nerve stimulation. This study requires participants to conduct daily at-home treatment sessions, attend three in-person study visits at the MUSC Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and complete electronic questionnaires over the 12-week trial, and again at the six-month timepoint. Participants in this trial may benefit directly with an improvement in sense of smell. However, participation may also help society more generally, as this study will provide new information about long COVID-related smell loss and its treatment.
Inclusion: treatment-seeking for COVID-related persistent SL (anosmia, hyposmia, phantosmia or parosmia); at least 1-month from SARS-coV-2 PCR-positive and/or rapid home-positive tests; normal sense of smell prior to COVID; naïve to both smell training (ST) and trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS); able to comprehend English and provide informed consent.
Exclusion: oral/nasal steroids or other intranasal medications within the last month; immunomodulatory medications; history of head injury (e.g. sport, accident, combat blast); sinonasal condition (e.g. upper respiratory infection, rhinosinusitis, polyps); neurological disorder (e.g. epilepsy, neurodegenerative disorder, narcolepsy); serious mental illness (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar, or other psychotic disorder); suicidal ideation within the last month; current (≤6 months) heavy cigarette smoker (heavy defined as ≥ 10 pack-years); pregnant or trying to become pregnant.