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Seizure treatment with olfactory training: a preliminary trial

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Abstract

Objective

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.

Methods

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 30–45 s (2 cm in front of nose; 10–15 s to right and left nostril and 10–15 s to both nostrils) for 3 months. 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.

Results

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.

Significance

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Graduate Studies in Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey

    Yasin Yilmaz

  2. Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Koca Mustafapasa Cd. No: 53, 34096, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey

    Bengi Gul Turk, Merve Hazal Ser & Cigdem Ozkara

  3. Department of Pediatric Neurology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey

    Nursah Yeniay Sut, Suleyman Sahin & Serap Tiras Teber

  4. Department of Pediatric Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey

    Edibe Pembegul Yildiz & Gonca Bektas

  5. Department of Neurology, Sultan Abdulhamid Han Research and Training Hospital, University of Health Science, Istanbul, Turkey

    Hakan Tekeli

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  1. Yasin Yilmaz
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Highlights

• Drug resistance is still one of the major problems in treatment of epilepsy

• Complementary therapy is more tolerable for patients

• Olfactory training is effective, easily applicable therapy without obvious side effect

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Yilmaz, Y., Turk, B.G., Ser, M.H. et al. Seizure treatment with olfactory training: a preliminary trial. Neurol Sci 43, 6901–6907 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-022-06376-2

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