Taste Disorder After Head Injury

‘No Win, No Fee’ Claims For Compensation

A loss of taste can significantly affect your life and a taste disorder occurring after head injury are not uncommon. These can make eating less enjoyable and can possibly lead to nutrition deficiencies impacting your overall health.

Furthermore, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or even a concussion can alter your taste perception. This may range from a reduced ability to taste to a complete loss of taste. In fact, a head injury can impact different bodily functions.

So if you have lost your sense of taste because of a head injury which was not your fault, you may be able to claim compensation. Compensation for total loss of taste and total loss of smell can amount to over £30 000.

If you believe you may have a claim, Jefferies Claims can help you. We work with lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

How Does a Head Injury Cause A Taste Disorder?

The ability to taste is processed due to taste buds on the tongue, cranial nerves and the brain regions responsible for processing taste signals. A head injury can disrupt this complex system in several ways:

Damage to the Cranial Nerves
Brain Damage
Olfactory Dysfunction (Smell)
Medication Side Effects
Inflammation and Swelling In The Brain

Can Taste Disorders After a Head Injury Be Reversed?

The reversibility of a taste disorder following a head injury depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the specific nerves affected, and whether the condition is due to temporary inflammation or permanent nerve damage.

Temporary vs. Permanent Damage: If the taste disturbance is due to swelling or a minor concussion, it may resolve over weeks or months as the brain heals. However, if the injury causes permanent nerve damage, recovery is less likely.
Neuroplasticity: The brain has a remarkable ability to adapt, and in some cases, other sensory pathways can compensate for lost functions. With rehabilitation and therapy, some improvement may be possible.
Treatment Options: While no guaranteed cure exists, treatment may include exercises to stimulate taste and smell or medications. Dietary adjustments to enhance flavours and stimulate taste may also help, such as herbs and spices.

Taste Disorder After Injury – Can I Claim?

If you have lost your sense of taste due to a head injury caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to make a personal injury claim.

In order to make a claim, you should be able to show that:

The injury was caused by someone else’s negligence (e.g., a road traffic accident, workplace accident, or medical malpractice).
The loss of taste is a direct result of the head injury.
The condition has had a significant impact on your quality of life.

You would need to obtain accident reports, such as if the injury occurred in a traffic accident, or at work or due to medical negligence. You would also require a diagnosis from a specialist confirming the taste disorder and its link to the head injury. Additionally witness statements are also useful from family, friends or colleagues who can confirm the impact of the injury on your life. Evidence of medical costs and financial losses should also be gathered.

Time Limits for Claims

You typically have three years from the date of the injury to make a personal injury claim. There are exceptions to this rule, including for children. They have until their 21^st birthday to file a claim.

What You Need To Do Next

A taste disorder following a head injury can be distressing and life-altering. If your loss of taste is because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to claim for compensation.

Jefferies Claims can guide you through the process. We work with highly experienced lawyers in this field who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and we will give you the support and understanding you need at this difficult time. Call us at 0333 358 3034 or visit Jefferies Claims Contact Us Page to learn more.