A 35-year-old woman is evaluated in the office due to decreased taste sensation. She says that she could not enjoy her meals, all food tastes the same. One month ago, the patient had a motor vehicle collision, where she received a head trauma. She does not complain of visual problems, abnormal speech, dysphagia, unsteadiness, weakness, or sensory deficits. Vital signs are within normal limits. Neurological examination is normal. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's current symptoms?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: The olfactory nerve transmits olfactory signals, passing through the cribriform plate. It relays the signal to the olfactory bulb, where the olfactory signals are transmitted to the primary olfactory correct in the medial temporal lobe. Avulsion of the olfactory nerve rootlets in the cribriform plate could occur following head trauma. Therefore, anosmia could occur following head trauma. Anosmia could be interpreted as an abnormal taste sensation.

A 35-Year-Old Woman Is Evaluated in the Office Due to Decreased