MUSC Launched Smell Loss Clinical Trial

Researchers are testing trigeminal nerve stimulation to help patients recover from COVID-19-related smell loss.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Stroke

Bold vector editorial illustration of a glass bulb with sculptural filaments, representing neural pathways and sensory recovery. — The Medical University of South Carolina has begun a clinical trial using trigeminal nerve stimulation to treat persistent smell loss in COVID-19 survivors. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe non-invasive electrical nerve stimulation shows promise for treating long-term COVID-19 symptoms?

The Medical University of South Carolina has launched a clinical trial exploring whether trigeminal nerve stimulation can restore smell function for COVID-19 survivors. Approximately 37 million people in the U.S. report lingering smell loss or changes following a COVID infection.

Why it matters

The study aims to address persistent sensory dysfunction caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which targets ACE-2 receptors in the olfactory bulb. Researchers believe stimulation may work with the olfactory system to improve the speed and efficacy of recovery.

The clinical trial involves a 12-week protocol where participants undergo 30 minutes of daily nerve stimulation. The study measures progress by testing the ability of subjects to detect and identify odors of varying intensity.

The players

Medical University of South Carolina

This is a public academic health science center located in Charleston that conducts medical research and provides clinical care.

Joan Burger

She is a 64-year-old participant enrolled in the ongoing clinical trial for smell loss recovery.

The details

The double-blinded study assigns participants to one of three arms, including stimulation combined with smell training, smell training alone, or placebo odor training. Preliminary open-label data suggests that this non-invasive technique, already used for migraine treatment, may assist in restoring smell function.

The clinical trial follows a 12-week protocol.
The research initiative was reported as of October 5, 2026.

Health Landscape

This study adapts the application of FDA-approved non-invasive electrical nerve stimulation for migraines to address post-viral sensory dysfunction. It marks a shift toward utilizing existing neurological technology to potentially repair cellular damage in the olfactory system.

The trial offers a new, non-invasive therapeutic approach for those suffering from long-term smell loss after a COVID-19 infection. Patients should monitor the results of this 12-week study to determine if this specialized treatment becomes a viable clinical option.

The takeaway

This study highlights the potential for repurposing existing nerve stimulation technologies to treat post-viral complications. Patients struggling with persistent smell loss may find future relief as researchers gather more data on the efficacy of combined sensory training and stimulation.