The investigation of olfactory training on epileptic seizure

Epilepsy, characterized by recurrent seizure is a neurological disorder seen worldwide. Despite miscellaneous anticonvulsant drugs, resistance to treatment is still high. This resistance brings about the multidisciplinary approach and complementary treatments. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of olfactory training on epileptic seizures with anticonvulsant aromas among patients diagnosed with intractable epilepsy. A total of 24 patients (seven female and seventeen male; mean age: 20.8±12.6 years) with epilepsy who were under follow up at Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty Neurology Outpatient Clinics, Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Research and Training Hospital Pediatric Neurology Outpatient Clinics and Ankara University Medical Faculty Pediatric Neurology Outpatient Clinics were recruited for the study. Fourteen patients were pediatric and ten patients were adult. Participants were asked to inhaled the standardized bottle filled with lavender aroma (Lavandula Angustifolia) twice a day (morning and evening) for two minutes in three months. In the beginning and at the end of third month, the number of seizure, duration and character of seizure of participants, the quality of life and olfactory function were re-assessed. Statistical analysis showed that olfactory training decreased the epileptic seizure frequency in both pediatric and adult patients (for pediatric p=0.005, z=-2.80; for adult p=0.027, z=-2.21) and also decreased the epileptic seizure duration (p=0.02; z=-2.20). Moreover, olfactory training increased the quality of life (p=0.003; z=-2.94) and improved the olfaction in both pediatric and adult patients (p=0.017; z=-2.37; p=0.05; z=-1.95). On the other hand, none of patients indicated adverse reaction and no increase in seizure frequency or no alteration in seizure character were seen. As a result, it has been shown that olfactory training is a successful complementary therapy without adverse reaction in patients with intractable epilepsy. Large cohort studies and long follow-up periods are needed for providing of olfactory training as a therapy modality in patients with epilepsy.