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On The 3rd I Noticed Things Were Losing Their Taste.
Question: On the 3rd I noticed things were losing their taste. Over the next two weeks, I have now almost completely lost my sense of taste - all foods taste the same and only the sweetest, sourest, or most bitter tastes are sensed. I had a lingering 'salty' taste in my mouth for several days, which seems to have gone now. I do not have any outstanding dental issues which would cause this nor do I have any other noticeable symptoms. I have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. I do not have a primary care provider and am not sure what to do next. I do have health insurance. Should I go to a convenient or urgent care clinic? Or schedule an online consultation? Any help is appreciated.
Brief Answer:
Further evaluation is needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
I am Dr Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist, and would try my best to help you.
I have noted your clinical details. Unexplained loss of taste could be a presenting symptom of COVID-19 infection. I have noted that you tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. However, the test can be negative in about 30-50% of cases. So, a repeat test should be done at 7-10 day interval.
A neurological and ENT examination are also needed, which could be followed by MRI scan of brain, specially focusing on olfactory (related to smell) and facial nerve branches (which supply taste sensations).
I sincerely hope my reply has helped you.
I would be pleased to answer, if you have any follow up queries or if you require any further information.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX
For DIRECT QUERY to me: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My blog: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.com/
Further evaluation is needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
I am Dr Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist, and would try my best to help you.
I have noted your clinical details. Unexplained loss of taste could be a presenting symptom of COVID-19 infection. I have noted that you tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. However, the test can be negative in about 30-50% of cases. So, a repeat test should be done at 7-10 day interval.
A neurological and ENT examination are also needed, which could be followed by MRI scan of brain, specially focusing on olfactory (related to smell) and facial nerve branches (which supply taste sensations).
I sincerely hope my reply has helped you.
I would be pleased to answer, if you have any follow up queries or if you require any further information.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX
For DIRECT QUERY to me: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My blog: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.com/
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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