Yasin Yilmaz1, Bengi Gul Turk2, Merve Hazal Ser2, Nursah Yeniay Sut3, Suleyman Sahin3, Edibe Pembegul Yildiz4, Gonca Bektas4, Serap Tiras Teber3, Hakan Tekeli5, Cigdem Ozkara2. 1. Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Graduate Studies in Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey. dryasinyilmaz@gmail.com. 2. Department of Neurology, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Koca Mustafapasa Cd. No: 53, 34096, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey. 3. Department of Pediatric Neurology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. 4. Department of Pediatric Neurology, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey. 5. Department of Neurology, Sultan Abdulhamid Han Research and Training Hospital, University of Health Science, Istanbul, Turkey.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent seizures. Despite miscellaneous antiseizure medications, resistance to treatment is still approximately 30%. This resistance brings forward the multidisciplinary approach and complementary treatments. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of olfactory training on epileptic seizures with special aromas having antiseizure effects in patients diagnosed with drug-resistant epilepsy. METHODS: A total of 24 patients (14 pediatric and 10 adults) with drug-resistant epilepsy were recruited for the study. Participants were asked to inhale the standardized bottle filled with lavender aroma (Lavandula Angustifolia) twice a day (morning and evening) for 30-45 s (2 cm in front of nose; 10-15 s to right and left nostril and 10-15 s to both nostrils) for 3 months. The type, frequency, duration of seizures, the quality of life (SF-36 and PedsQL 4.0), and olfactory functions (Sniffin' Sticks Test and Pediatric Smell Wheel) were re-assessed. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed that olfactory training decreased the seizure frequency (p < 0.001) and the seizure duration (p = 0.02). A global 50% seizure reduction was seen among patients. Moreover, olfactory training increased the quality of life (p = 0.003) and improved the olfactory function in both the pediatric and adult groups (p = 0.017, p = 0.05, respectively). There was no adverse reaction and no increase in seizure frequency. SIGNIFICANCE: The observations of the present investigation suggest that olfactory training is a successful complementary therapy with no adverse reaction in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Large cohort studies and longer follow-up periods are needed for providing olfactory training as a therapy modality in patients with epilepsy.
OBJECTIVE: Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent seizures. Despite miscellaneous antiseizure medications, resistance to treatment is still approximately 30%. This resistance brings forward the multidisciplinary approach and complementary treatments. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of olfactory training on epileptic seizures with special aromas having antiseizure effects in patients diagnosed with drug-resistant epilepsy. METHODS: A total of 24 patients (14 pediatric and 10 adults) with drug-resistant epilepsy were recruited for the study. Participants were asked to inhale the standardized bottle filled with lavender aroma (Lavandula Angustifolia) twice a day (morning and evening) for 30-45 s (2 cm in front of nose; 10-15 s to right and left nostril and 10-15 s to both nostrils) for 3 months. The type, frequency, duration of seizures, the quality of life (SF-36 and PedsQL 4.0), and olfactory functions (Sniffin' Sticks Test and Pediatric Smell Wheel) were re-assessed. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed that olfactory training decreased the seizure frequency (p < 0.001) and the seizure duration (p = 0.02). A global 50% seizure reduction was seen among patients. Moreover, olfactory training increased the quality of life (p = 0.003) and improved the olfactory function in both the pediatric and adult groups (p = 0.017, p = 0.05, respectively). There was no adverse reaction and no increase in seizure frequency. SIGNIFICANCE: The observations of the present investigation suggest that olfactory training is a successful complementary therapy with no adverse reaction in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Large cohort studies and longer follow-up periods are needed for providing olfactory training as a therapy modality in patients with epilepsy.
Authors: Jonas I Addae; Ramish Pingal; Kheston Walkins; Renee Cruickshank; Farid F Youssef; Shivananda B Nayak Journal: Epilepsy Res Date: 2017-02-28 Impact factor: 3.045
Authors: Richard L Doty; Isabelle Tourbier; Jessica K Neff; Jonathan Silas; Bruce Turetsky; Paul Moberg; Taehoon Kim; John Pluta; Jaqueline French; Ashwini D Sharan; Michael J Sperling; Natasha Mirza; Anthony Risser; Gordon Baltuch; John A Detre Journal: J Neurol Date: 2018-05-16 Impact factor: 4.849