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Olfactory nerve palsy

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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A change in smell sensation due to a olfactory nerve palsy can be uni- or bilateral in nature. Lesions are most likely to cause anosmia and a bilateral lesion is more likely to be detected by routine enquiries about an individual's sense of smell.

Most causes of anosmia are bilateral.

Causes of bilateral anosmia include:

  • upper respiratory tract infection - most common
  • ethmoid tumour
  • meningioma of the olfactory groove
  • trauma, e.g. basal skull fracture, frontal fracture, after pituitary surgery
  • congenital, e.g. Kallman's syndrome
  • conductive, e.g. nasal polyps, enlarged turbinates

Causes of unilateral anosmia include:

  • head trauma without a fracture
  • early meningioma of the olfactory groove

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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