Olfactory and gustatory function in patients with multiple sclerosis

Background: The olfactory function (OF) and gustatory function in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) can be limited. Methods: We performed the testing of orthonasal (Threshold Discrimination Identification [TDI] score with Sniffin' Sticks) and retronasal (Taste Powder) OF and gustatory function (Taste Strips; Burghart, Wedel, Germany) in patients diagnosed with MS and healthy controls matching in age, sex, and smoking habits. Results: Eight of 16 MS patients (50%) displayed hyposmia (TDI score, 28.75 +/- 1.28; p = 0.06); the identification subtest significantly was restricted (12.63 +/- 1.67; p = 0.001). Four of 16 MS patients (25%) had limited retronasal OF with a Taste Powder score of 4.5 +/- 1.29. The gustatory function in 19% of MS patients was significantly limited (Taste Strip score, 5.33 +/- 2.52; p = 0.02). Patients who estimated their ability to smell as diminished performed more poorly on retronasal OF testing (r = 0.657; p = 0.046). Conclusion: This study confirms the incidence of olfactory disorder in MS patients that has been reported in the literature. Interestingly, a significant correlation between orthonasal and retronasal OF testing was not shown. A higher incidence of gustatory dysfunction was shown and might serve as another potential marker for this disease. (Am J Rhinol Allergy 24, e93-e97, 2010; doi: 10.2500/ajra.2010.24.3506)