Loss of Taste After Brain Surgery

A couple of weeks ago, my husband had two benign brain tumors surgically removed, neither of which were by his olfactory nerve which controls taste/smell. He's now complaining that he cannot taste sugar or salt.  He's currently on Keppra (anti-seizure med) and Decadron (steroids).  His dr. said that neither meds are commonly linked to a loss in taste but that since he didn't go near his olfactory nerve, he is puzzled and assumes it might be from one of the meds and that it could be temporary. Is this possible? Anyone had or heard of this type of experience? My husband is very depressed about this and I'm afraid he might lose weight without being able to enjoy the simple sense of taste.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

It could be an after effect of anesthesia that was given during the time of brain surgery. Another possibility is damage to the nerve fibers that control smell sensation during brain surgery. Sense of smell plays an important role in the way the food tastes. Take care!