Simulator for returning the sense of smell to patients

2023: Simulator Announcement

In July 2023, Sechenov University presented a simulator for returning smell to patients. The technology relies on the use of neurointerface and trains new neural connections with essential oils.

According to the press service of the university, the olfactory training is based on the ability of different odors to act on the functions of the nervous system. Training is carried out using electroencephalography (EEG). EEG scores are used as a biomarker.

Sechenov University presented a simulator for returning smell to patients

To conduct the training, a special cap with electrodes is put on for the patient. The electronic diffuser then starts spraying different odors as well as their combinations, and the patient inhales them on command. At this time, the EEG captures the bioelectric impulses of the human brain that are reflected on the computer screen. The task of the doctor is to track correlates, that is, the relationship between the recognition of smell for the patient and his brain activity.

According to the ENT doctor, Ph.D., assistant to the Department of Ear, Throat and Nose Diseases of the Institute of Clinical Medicine named after N.V. Sklifosovsky Lilia Seleznyova, currently, when treating disorders of smell, doctors are guided only by the subjective sensations of patients. It was not possible to track the objective outcome of the treatment. Thus, they received a subjective and not digitalized result.

The rehabilitation of the violation of the sense of smell seems to be a promising method and is carried out through olfactory training (inhalation of various odors). The method is physiologically based on the plasticity of brain structures, so we can "train" new neural connections and use the regenerative and adaptive capabilities of the olfactory system. Exposure to simple odors can increase the growth of olfactory receptors, - notes the doctor, Ph.D., assistant of the Department of Ear, Throat and Nose Diseases of the Institute of Clinical Medicine named after N.V. Sklifosovsky Sechenov University Mikhail Svistushkin.^[1]

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