Impaired sense of taste or smell
There are many nerves involved in transmitting taste and smell information to the brain. Taste receptors are found within taste buds, not only on the tongue, but also on the soft palate, pharynx, larynx, epiglottis, uvula, and the top third of the oesophagus.
Complete loss of taste is very rare, even in multiple sclerosis, but impaired taste or distorted taste may occur with demyelisation of any of the nerves involved. In particular, the Trigeminal Nerve or 5th Cranial Nerve plays an important part in the taste and smell process.
I have experienced the distorted taste sensation, where everything you eat or drink has an unexpected taste. In fact, most everything tasted pretty disgusting. This persisted for about a month and during this time eating was most definitely not a pleasure.
Anatomy of peripheral taste pathways
Treatments
I am not aware of any specific treatments to help overcome impaired taste or smell.
References:
American Academy of Family Physicians
DISCLAIMER: The content of this site does not represent a qualified medical opinion. It is simply the information amassed by an MS patient while trying to understand this condition. You should seek the advice of your medical practitioner or neurologist before trying any treatment you may read about on this site. I am not a doctor, I am a patient.
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