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Study of Chemosensory Enhancement Through Neuromodulation Training (SCENT)

This study is looking at a new way to help people with smell loss (olfactory impairment). It combines standard smell training with Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation (TNS), which uses a small electrical device on your forehead to stimulate a nerve. The goal is to see if this combination can improve your ability to smell. You might be able to join if you are between 18 and 80 years old, have reported or medically documented smell loss, and are seeking treatment. The study will measure changes in your smell function, how you perceive odors, and how much you enjoy them over 8 weeks. The current status of this study is unclear.

Study design
This is an open-label study, meaning both you and the researchers will know what treatment you are receiving. It plans to enroll 60 participants.
What's involved
You would complete 8 weeks of at-home treatment and attend three in-person visits for assessments.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your smell function and perception will be measured at 4 and 8 weeks after starting the treatment.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07689773

Study of Chemosensory Enhancement Through Neuromodulation Training (SCENT): Open Label

Not Yet Recruiting
PHASE2Ages 18–80InterventionalTreatment
Medical University of South Carolina
~60 participants
Updated 2026-07-09 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation-enhanced Smell Training

At a glance

Recruiting sites
0 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in Psychophysical Olfactory Function from Baseline to 4 and 8 Weeks
Measured over 8 weeks
+4 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Olfactory Impairment

Explore related trials

Olfactory Impairment

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
South Carolina1

Who to contact

Bernadette Cortese, Ph.D.
[email protected]
843-792-6922
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Age 18-80
Self-reported or medically documented smell loss
Treatment-seeking for their smell loss
Naïve to TNS
Able to comprehend English and provide informed consent

Exclusion

Medical Records not available to confirm eligibility
Documented/Suspected head injury (e.g. sport, accident, blast exposure)
Neurological disorder (e.g. epilepsy, neurodegenerative disorder)
Serious mental illness (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)
Suicidal ideation within the last month
Current (≤6 months) and/or heavy cigarette smokers (i.e. ≥ 10 pack-years)
Oral/nasal steroids or other intranasal medications
Immunomodulatory medications
Pregnant or trying to become pregnant

What this trial measures

  • Change in Psychophysical Olfactory Function from Baseline to 4 and 8 Weeks8 weeks

    Sniffin' Sticks (Bughardt Messtechnik, Wedel Germany) will be used to determine odor threshold (T), odor discrimination (D), and odor identification (I), each on 16-point scales, and summed for a total TDI score. Higher scores indicate better function.

  • Change in Perceived Intensity of Odorants from Baseline to 4 and 8 Weeks8 weeks

    Perceived intensity on 100-mm visual analog scales with anchor points: 0="imperceptible" to 100="extremely intense".

  • Change in Perceived Hedonics of Odorants from Baseline to 4 and 8 Weeks8 weeks

    Perceived hedonics on 100-mm visual analog scales with anchor points: 0="extremely unpleasant" to 100="extremely pleasant".

  • Change in Olfactory-related Quality of Life from Baseline to 4 and 8 Weeks8 weeks

    The Modified Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders-Negative Statements (QOD-NS) consists of 17 negative statements (rated on a scale from 0 to 3; total score ranging from 0 to 51), with lower scores indicating better olfactory-related quality of life.

  • Change in Impact of Olfactory Loss from Baseline to 4 and 8 Weeks8 weeks

    The Impact of Olfactory Loss Visual Analog Scale (IOL-VAS) consists of 9 separate items assessing the impact of olfactory loss upon mood, food enjoyment, social interactions, safety, hygiene, sex, cooking, appetite, and weight changes, rated from 0 (no impact) to 10 (biggest impact possible).