Smell Tests May Predict Anxiety And Depression After A Concussion

• Embargoed until April 14th, 2019
  
  Media Contact: Dr. Thomas Mast, Chair, Public Information and Affairs Committee; email: [email protected]. Before April 14th and after 17th April: Phone 734 487 6916; April 14th–17th, 2019, Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa, Bonita Springs, FL; Phone +1 850 212 7072.

Patients with smell problems after a concussion are at risk to develop anxiety and depression. Smell testing right after a concussion may predict these mood disorders.

Anxiety and depression are amongst the most important long-term consequences of concussions. We examined whether individuals who exhibited smell problems after a concussion had a higher risk to develop symptoms of anxiety and depression. We tested two cohorts within 24h and within 4 weeks after a concussion and followed up with them. Patients with smell problems at baseline had more symptoms of depression and anxiety at follow up after 1 year and 6 months, respectively. Smell tests are easy to carry out and may help to predict mood disorders and guide clinicians to early therapeutic interventions. (contact: Johannes Frasnelli, [email protected]; +1 819 376 5011).

Authors: Fanny Lecuyer Giguere, Andreas Frasnelli, Elaine de Guise, Johannes Frasnelli

The poster presentation “Evaluation and evolution of the olfactory dysfunctions within 24 hours after a mild traumatic brain injury (mild TBI)” (#P143) takes place Monday April 15th, 8:00-10:00 am ET in the Estero Ballroom