ReviSmell (VR-simulator for sense of smell)

2022: Device announcement

In mid-February 2022, it became known about the creation of a training machine in Russia VR order to restore smell after a coronavirus () COVID-19 infection. This development of Samara State Medical University () SamSMU was called ReviSmell.

As explained on the university's website, the simulator is designed to diagnose smell disorders and its rehabilitation with the help of the so-called olfactory training - inhalation of aromatics using virtual reality. The principle of ReviSmell operation is based on the activation of the olfactory receptor, the reconstruction of neural connections and the improvement of olfactory memory.

In Russia, created a VR simulator to restore smell after COVID-19

A person with the help of VR glasses plunges into virtual reality, where the script is presented: he walks along the arboretum, various flavors are served to him, and the patient's goal is to recognize them. The peculiarity of the simulator is that in the process of diagnosis and rehabilitation, several receptors are exposed simultaneously due to a combination of olfactory stimulation and a virtual scenario.

Olfactory disorders are a frequent symptom of COVID-19, so there are many patients seeking help. Today there are no ready-made solutions, usually they are offered simply to inhale aromatic oils at home. We went further and created our own development, which is aimed not only at inhaling the aroma, but also at training memory, - noted in SamMU.

By mid-February 2022, rehabilitation using ReviSmell is carried out on the basis of SamMU clinics. 5 patients have already completed the course, 15 people continue treatment. According to the developers, to restore your sense of smell, you need at least 15-20 classes, most often patients need about 1-1.5 months to fully return your sense of smell. Anyone can go to the clinic for rehabilitation.^[1]

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