New Breakthrough Treatments for Long COVID-Related Anosmia: PRP Therapy & Stellate Ganglion Block

Anosmia, or the loss of smell, has become a long-term issue for many struggling with persistent symptoms of long COVID. This troubling sensory loss impacts quality of life by affecting food enjoyment, emotional well-being, and even personal safety. Fortunately, emerging treatments—Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections and Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)—are showing promising results in restoring olfactory function.

What Is Anosmia and How Long COVID Affects the Sense of Smell

Anosmia has been recognized as one of the most common and lasting symptoms among long COVID sufferers. Without effective treatment, this loss can lead to depression, anxiety, and a diminished experience of everyday life. Research into anosmia treatment has expanded due to the lasting effects of COVID-19, with two cutting-edge methods currently at the forefront of progress: PRP injections and the Stellate Ganglion Block.

1. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: Promising Results for Olfactory Recovery

PRP therapy leverages a concentrated form of the patient’s own blood plasma, packed with growth factors and platelets, to stimulate healing. It’s already used in regenerative medicine, and now, PRP injections for long COVID-related anosmia are being explored. The PRP treatment process involves injecting this plasma directly into the olfactory cleft, a small area within the nasal cavity responsible for the sense of smell.

Recent Studies on PRP Therapy for Long COVID Anosmia

- A randomized, controlled trial recently showed that patients who received PRP injections experienced a 3.67-point greater improvement in olfactory function compared to those who received a placebo.

- The response rate in the PRP group was 57.1%, compared to only 8.3% in the placebo group.

- PRP patients also reported a noticeable improvement in smell discrimination and recognition.

These findings indicate that PRP therapy could provide a safe and effective solution for long COVID patients with persistent olfactory dysfunction.

2. Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB): An Alternative Pathway to Olfactory Restoration

The Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB), a procedure traditionally used in pain management, involves injecting a local anesthetic near the stellate ganglion, a bundle of nerves in the neck. SGB is now being tested for its effectiveness in treating several long COVID symptoms, including anosmia. The mechanism may involve “resetting” the autonomic nervous system, which can be dysregulated in long COVID cases.

Key Findings on SGB for Anosmia in Long COVID Patients

- In a recent clinical study, around 50% of patients who underwent SGB reported at least 50% improvement in their sense of smell.

- The SGB procedure typically takes around 18 minutes, making it a quick option for those seeking relief.

- Some patients report immediate improvements in both smell and taste following SGB treatment.

This straightforward procedure has the potential to be a significant aid for those whose anosmia has persisted long after their COVID infection.

Exploring Combined Treatments for Enhanced Results

While both PRP and SGB therapies are promising individually, researchers are investigating the benefits of combining treatments. For example, early studies suggest that pairing PRP injections with olfactory training can lead to even more significant improvements in olfactory function. Combination approaches may ultimately yield better outcomes for long COVID patients with anosmia, enhancing the effectiveness of each treatment method.

The Future of Long COVID Anosmia Treatment: What Patients Should Know

Currently, both PRP and SGB are considered experimental treatments for long COVID-related anosmia. While initial results are encouraging, further large-scale clinical trials are needed to validate their efficacy and assess long-term safety. Moreover, not all patients respond to these treatments, highlighting the need for additional research.

Conclusion: Hope on the Horizon for Long COVID Anosmia Patients

For those struggling with anosmia due to long COVID, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections and the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) represent a new era in treatment options. These innovative therapies provide hope and may eventually become widely available, offering effective relief for millions affected by long COVID-related olfactory dysfunction.


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Sources

  • https://ejo.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43163-022-00320-z

  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36507615/

  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9450932/

  • https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/nerve-block-shows-promise-for-long-covid-related-olfactory-or-gustatory-dysfunction

  • https://www.thealbanyclinic.com/stellate-ganglion-block-long-covid-treatment-shows-high-success-rate-in-symptom-relief

  • https://fxregencenter.com/stellate-ganglion-block-for-long-covid/

  • https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00405-022-07788-8

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