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Anosmia After Head Injury

Traumatic anosmia is often discovered long after an accident. It may take months or even years for the injured to realize that they suffer from traumatic anosmia.

st louis automobile crash anosmia

Injuries to parts of the face are common in car accidents. During the impact of a car accident, the passengers may jerk forwards or backwards, depending upon which side is impacted. This movement can cause cranial frontal injury or whiplash. These injuries can result in permanent damage to parts of the body. For example, cranial frontal injuries are known to cause a loss of sense of smell. Sometimes, such injuries can only be detected long after the accident.

Losing the Sense of Smell

The five senses – sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch – allow us to be aware of our surroundings. Losing any of them can cause severe discomfort and loss of normal life. Losing the sense of smell can cause depression, loss of appetite, and anxiety, leaving the injured person with a disability for life. Traumatic anosmia can be an indication of a brain injury and should be treated immediately.

In addition to bodily discomfort, individuals who lose their sense of smell become susceptible to other dangers as well. For example, if there is smoke resulting from a fire in the house, the victim will not be able to smell the smoke and be aware of the fire. This poses a serious safety hazard for the victim.

Treating Traumatic Anosmia

Traumatic anosmia is often discovered long after an accident. It may take months or even years for the injured to realize that they suffer from traumatic anosmia. However, the moment the injured person suspects that he or she has suffered a loss of smell, they should contact a medical specialist in the field of olfactory dysfunction as soon as possible to try and reverse the effects of the injury. In case of a permanent injury, the doctor will evaluate the injured for a permanent disability rating. A patient who is being treated for traumatic anosmia and the resulting head injury should continue proper treatment until they are completely recovered. Incomplete treatment often results in reoccurrence of symptoms.

Claiming Compensation for Traumatic Anosmia

Anosmia can lead to a permanent disability. If the injury and the disability have been caused in a car accident, especially due to the negligence of the other driver, the injured party can claim compensation. Since a loss of smell may indicate a brain injury, it increases the leverage of the settlement, entitling the injured for compensation for medical expenses, repair or replacement costs, the cost of long-term recovery, and loss of quality of life.

If you or a loved one has been in a car accident that has led to traumatic anosmia, consult The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. at (314) 361-4242 and we will help you get the rightful damages.

Updated: February 9, 2021