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Can LENS Neurofeedback Treat Anosmia Resulting from a Head Injury?

Loss or reduction of olfactory acuity (anosmia) is a symptom associated with moderate to severe acceleration-deceleration traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Posttraumatic anosmia has been regarded as an irreversible symptom. It usually results in deficits in taste and is documented to negatively affect quality of life, safety, interpersonal relations, and nutritional intake. This paper presents the first two cases to be reported where there were spontaneous reports of the reversal of long-term anosmia following neurofeedback treatment with the Low Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS). These reports provide encouragement that neurofeedback may have potential to treat posttraumatic anosmia, as well as improving other TBI symptoms. Clinicians using neurofeedback to treat TBI are encouraged to evaluate patients for the presence of anosmia and to track possible improvements.