Assessment of cerebral blood flow in patients with multiple chemical sensitivity using near-infrared spectroscopy—recovery after olfactory stimulation: a case–control study

• DOI: 10.1007/s12199-015-0448-4
• Publication Date: 2015-02-17T09:52:17Z
• Authors: Kenichi Azuma; Iwao Uchiyama; Mari Tanigawa; Ikuko Bamba; Michiyo Azuma; Hirohisa Takano; Toshikazu Yoshikawa; Kou Sakabe
• Keywords: Orbitofrontal cortex; Sensory threshold; Multiple chemical sensitivity; Sensory stimulation therapy

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic acquired disorder characterized by non-specific symptoms in multiple organ systems associated with exposure to odorous chemicals. We previously observed significant activations the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during olfactory stimulation using several different odorants patients MCS near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) imaging. also that did not adequately distinguish non-odorant late stage of repeated test. The sensory recovery system may process odors differently from healthy subjects after stimulation. examined regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) MCS. NIRS imaging was performed 6 and controls. test continuously 10 times. study included subjective assessment physical psychological status perception irritating hedonic odors. After stimulation, were PFC on both right left sides compared specifically strong orbitofrontal (OFC). Compared controls, autonomic feelings identification poorer OFC stimuli response representation preferences. These results suggest past hazardous chemicals activates MCS, activation remains stimuli.