Congenital anosmia
| Congenital Anosmia | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Isolated Congenital Anosmia |
| Olfactory bulbs and olfactory tracts outlined in red. These structures, which are critical for the sense of smell, are missing or underdeveloped in individuals with congenital anosmia. | |
| Specialty | Otorhinolaryngology |
| Symptoms | Complete inability to perceive smell from birth |
| Complications | Safety risks (e.g., inability to detect smoke or gas leaks), potential nutritional issues |
| Usual onset | Birth |
| Duration | Lifelong |
| Types | Isolated, Syndromic (e.g., Kallmann syndrome) |
| Causes | Genetic mutations, developmental defects of the olfactory bulbs and tracts |
| Risk factors | Genetic predisposition |
| Diagnostic method | Medical history, physical examination, smell tests, brain imaging (MRI/CT), nasal endoscopy, olfactory nerve testing |
| Differential diagnosis | Acquired anosmia, other olfactory disorders |
| Prevention | None |
| Treatment | No cure; management includes safety precautions and coping strategies |
| Medication | None |
| Prognosis | Lifelong condition with management of associated risks |
| Frequency | Approximately 1 in 10,000 individuals |
Congenital anosmia is a rare condition characterized by the complete inability to perceive smell from birth. It affects approximately 1 in 10,000 individuals and is often diagnosed later in life due to its subtle presentation and lack of associated symptoms.