Loss of Smell and Taste after a Workplace Concussion

Work-related accidents can have unpredictable consequences, and injuries will vary from one individual to another. One of the most surprising outcomes for victims who have suffered head injuries is losing their sense of smell or their sense of taste or even both.

How Can a Concussion Make You Lose Your Smell or Taste?

Cerebral concussions are types of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that affect your brain cells and appear like diffused, extended damage in the functionality of your brain, as opposed to a contusion.

Concussions can cause post-traumatic anosmia (loss of sense of smell after a head injury) or ageusia (loss of sense of taste) by affecting your neurotransmitters. Even mild or moderate concussions can lead to a loss of senses, amongst other symptoms, so make sure to report it to the doctor and not just wait for it to pass on its own.

How Can the Loss of Smell or Taste Affect Your Life

To someone who still has all their senses working fine, this problem might seem trivial, but this condition can really affect the rest of your life, in more ways than one could imagine.

The disadvantages of not having a sense of smell or taste, or having them reduced to a fraction of their capacity, include:

• Not being able to identify a fire
• Inability to detect if the food has gone bad
• Loss of enjoyment from food, which can lead to eating problems, lost weight and other complications
• Reduced quality of life and, in some cases, mental injuries like depression or anxiety
• Adding exaggerated amounts of sugar or salt, trying to feel the taste or aromas better, which can lead to a large number of other health issues
• Affected personal hygiene

There are many ways in which such a loss can make your life worse, and it’s usually added on top of the pain and other symptoms associated with the concussion you have suffered. Losing your senses is definitely something you should include in your medical report and mention it to your St. Louis work injury attorney as well. Unlike a temporary loss of taste or smell caused by a viral infection, for example, a concussion-related one will not likely just go away on its own.

Will Workers’ Compensation Cover the Loss of Smell or Taste?

Yes, if you prove that the loss of your senses was caused by a concussion suffered when performing your work duties, during your work schedule, this condition will be compensated by your settlement.

It’s important to note that some states will not include this type of health complications on the list of compensated injuries and injury complications, so it’s best to consult an experienced St. Louis workers’ compensation attorney to find out if you should pursue this claim. They can also help you in preparing the documentation and discussing your claim with the insurance adjusters.