Smell and nerve sensation tests in people with multiple sclerosis
Compares smell and nasal nerve sensation tests in adults with multiple sclerosis.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Olfactory and Trigeminal Functions in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: Case-control Study
Key facts
- Where
- Catania, ItalySee the site
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 55 years old?
Source: NCT06020937, who can take part
Where in Italy
- Arianna Di StadioCatania, ItalyNo longer taking part
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
- University of Catania
- Trial code
- NCT06020937
- Record updated
- 12 May 2026
- Original description
The sensation of smell is influenced by the somatosensory and chemesthetic sensati¬ons of the nose: for example, the cooling sensation of menthol or the prickle of carbon dioxide from carbonated drinks. These sensations are mediated in the nose by the trigeminal nerve and there is increasing evidence that trigeminal and olfactory functions are closely linked and potentially interdependent. In addition, trigeminal activation is crucial to the perception of nasal airflow. Some researchers speculate about the impact of trigeminal nerve on the entire olfactory sensation and about the presence of some specific "trigeminal cells" into the nose.Patients with Multiple sclerosis (MS) can suffer from quantitative olfactory disorders that generally are of light entity and do not interfere with daily life activities but it is important to underline that olfactory loss can be an onset sign of the MS. Considering the "trigeminal component" in the olfaction, because trigeminal nerve inflammation is quite common in MS patients due to central and peripheral inflammation, it could be possible that these patients suffer from changes in the quantitative, but more in the qualitative smell functions that are generally not identified because poorly investigated.Read full original descriptionShow less
Olfactory and Trigeminal Functions in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
The sensation of smell is influenced by the somatosensory and chemesthetic sensati¬ons of the nose: for example, the cooling sensation of menthol or the prickle of carbon dioxide from carbonated drinks. These sensations are mediated in the nose by the trigeminal nerve and there is increasing evidence that trigeminal and olfactory functions are closely linked and potentially interdependent. In addition, trigeminal activation is crucial to the perception of nasal airflow. Some researchers speculate about the impact of trigeminal nerve on the entire olfactory sensation and about the presence of some specific "trigeminal cells" into the nose.Patients with Multiple sclerosis (MS) can suffer from quantitative olfactory disorders that generally are of light entity and do not interfere with daily life activities but it is important to underline that olfactory loss can be an onset sign of the MS. Considering the "trigeminal component" in the olfaction, because trigeminal nerve inflammation is quite common in MS patients due to central and peripheral inflammation, it could be possible that these patients suffer from changes in the quantitative, but more in the qualitative smell functions that are generally not identified because poorly investigated.
Inclusion: Adult women (age 18 to 55) diagnosed with multiple sclerosis using the 2017 McDonald Criteria under treatment with Disease Modifying Therapy (DMTs) with or without trigeminal concerns, or newly diagnosed with MS.
Exclusion: intake of drugs with sedating side effects; Chronic alcoholism / drug abuse; Chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyposis; current allergic rhinitis; other nasal issues that lead to olfactory dysfunction; anamnestic COVID with incomplete recovery; Neurodegenerative disorders (Parkinson, Alzheimer, Fronto-temporal Dementia, cognitive impairment and brain vascular diseases); History of stroke in the last three years; Depression or any psychiatric condition; major health issues that might affect olfactory function (e.g., significant renal insufficiency, uncontrolled diabetes); Severe head trauma; Severe facial injuries; Smoker over 20 cigarettes day or smoking from more than 15 years.