Sniffing scents may speed smell recovery after brain surgery

NCT ID NCT05912881

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at whether smell training with scented oils can help people regain their sense of smell after endoscopic skull base surgery. 41 adults with benign skull base tumors participated. Half used scented sticks and half used unscented sticks for training. Researchers measured smell function and quality of life before and after surgery.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: olfactory training (scented essential oils)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple, drug-free way to help people recover their sense of smell after skull base surgery.
What could go wrong: This was a small, early study with only 41 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The training uses scented oils, which may not work for all types of smell loss.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anosmia sella turcica neoplasm skull base neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANOSMIA SKULL BASE NEOPLASMS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Johns Hopkins Medicine

Baltimore, Maryland, 21224, United States

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