Phantom Smells

**IainDaniel** · 05-24-2005, 10:55 AM

The last couple of Days I have noticed a smoke/ Cigarette smell, even though none are around.

Doing a search on the internet, just scares the crap outta ya, talking about
Tumors, Aneurysms, Epilepsy, and Neuro Problems.

Anyone experience these?

TJ Cline · 05-24-2005, 11:00 AM

I experienced a phantom smell in the gym today, and it wasn't cigarettes. I hate when people cant go to the locker room to do that.

007 · 05-24-2005, 12:18 PM

Vieope · 05-24-2005, 12:19 PM

Yes, it happened to me.
It can be a brain tumor but it is rare. Don´t worry that quick tough, it is usually caused by a cold or the beginning of a sinusitis. In a few days you will be better. Trust me.

**IainDaniel** · 05-24-2005, 12:26 PM

Yeah I read about sickness affecting the chemical reaction affecting smells. I am not worried.

**IainDaniel** · 05-27-2005, 12:42 PM

Well looks like I am going to get an EEG done and am being referred to a neurologist.

Went to see the Family Doctor. I don't know if I beleive her analysis but she said it sounds like little seizures

Guess will wait and see

**calalily1972** · 05-27-2005, 12:45 PM

Do you feel anything from this? Good luck Iain and I hope there are no problems.

**IainDaniel** · 05-27-2005, 01:31 PM

Thanks Jodi.

Nah don't feel anything in particular. Just the smell of smoke. It makes me feel like I am in a smoky room, even my eyes begin to sting. Right now it is about 1 or 2 times a day for about 20 minutes.

Smell is a chemical reaction so it could be numerous things. I ain't gonna get in a panic or anything. I don't really trust doctors anyway

I probably wouldn't even of gone to the doctor if my wife wasn't pestering me all the time

min0 lee · 05-27-2005, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

The last couple of Days I have noticed a smoke/ Cigarette smell, even though none are around.

Doing a search on the internet, just scares the crap outta ya, talking about
Tumors, Aneurysms, Epilepsy, and Neuro Problems.

Anyone experience these?

I never heard of that, sounds weird.

bandaidwoman · 05-27-2005, 02:42 PM

Your doc is worried about simple partial seizures http://www.edmontonepilepsy.org/seizures.html
good thing you are checking it out

**IainDaniel** · 05-27-2005, 02:47 PM

Thanks for the link Bandaidwoman

Is there anything to be concerned about?

bandaidwoman · 05-27-2005, 06:14 PM

Simple partial seizures presenting just as spontaneous smells can be one of the most benign forms of seizures. However, over here, imaging of the head (preferably MRI with contrast) is mandatory since you want to be sure something isn't lurking around the olefactory center in the brain (ie: a mass).aka "George Gershwin syndrome" ...... but your neurologist will most likely be ordering that.

heeholler · 05-28-2005, 01:36 PM

I never heard of it before. Did a quick search and found others who have that and are talking about it here:
http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/...phantom+smells

brodus · 05-28-2005, 05:12 PM

What about phantom tastes?

All I can taste lately is Vanilla. I think it might be from all of the supps. I am taking.

**IainDaniel** · 05-31-2005, 08:58 AM

Well just had an EEG today. Nothing really to exciting. Bunch of plates stuck to my head. Open Eyes close eyes Open Eyes, Close Eye, Breath Deep Breath Normal, Push these Buttons.

Suprised I got an EEG Appointment this quickly. Have to wait to see the neurologist for results. So will have to wait and see.

The Smells have been deminishing. Last experience was Yesterday AM and only lasted for probably 10 seconds.

Vieope · 05-31-2005, 05:40 PM

10 seconds? How long lasted the other ones? Sometimes I got that all day, for at least two days.

Super Hulk · 05-31-2005, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

The last couple of Days I have noticed a smoke/ Cigarette smell, even though none are around.

Doing a search on the internet, just scares the crap outta ya, talking about
Tumors, Aneurysms, Epilepsy, and Neuro Problems.

Anyone experience these?

That occurs in mental illnesses too. Do a web search on that.
http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz...ucinations.jsp

How old are you ? Do you have any other strange sensations/hallucinations ? Ones that you may not realize are hallucinations ? Me for instance, i use to not use silverware because it tasted like metal.

**IainDaniel** · 06-01-2005, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vieope

10 seconds? How long lasted the other ones? Sometimes I got that all day, for at least two days.

The First couple of days it was persistent

Then it was down to one or two times a day anywhere from 10 seconds to 20 mins.

Today and last night before bed has been pretty persistent again

**IainDaniel** · 06-01-2005, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Super Hulk

That occurs in mental illnesses too. Do a web search on that.
http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz...ucinations.jsp

How old are you ? Do you have any other strange sensations/hallucinations ? Ones that you may not realize are hallucinations ? Me for instance, i use to not use silverware because it tasted like metal.

28, Nah that is the only experience I have been getting.

**IainDaniel** · 06-23-2005, 03:22 PM

Welp, my EEG came back and go figure results were normal, so the doctor said

( I am sure my wife would vouch different)

Anyway I have been monitoring when they seem to occur, I usually get them when I am sedentary, Go figure of course I am going to notice then. However what I have noticed that seemed of a little more interest, is they occur when I am sleep deprived.

Vieope · 06-23-2005, 04:26 PM

That is one hard to detect lethal tumor.

**IainDaniel** · 06-24-2005, 08:47 AM

What'chyou talkin' bout ?

Vieope · 06-24-2005, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

What'chyou talkin' bout ?

I was joking.

So what are the next tests?

**IainDaniel** · 06-24-2005, 01:43 PM

I know

I don't Know

Clayton Bigsby · 10-11-2005, 09:09 AM

That was happening to me too. I was also having strange little hallucinations. I also passed out three times in seven days. Once while driving. Crunch!
I had all the tests. EKG, EKsomethingorother, MRI, Tilt table, blood work, ect, ect. Turns out that stress, high blood pressure, and massive amounts of coffee were screwing with my vegas nerve and blood was flowing out of my brain when I was standing.

I got a new job and quit drinking coffee and have been fine for six months. Make sure you go to your doctors and do the tests, but also do as much research as you can. Doctors can prescribe tests and medication, but you have to actively participate for the diagnosis to be accurate. One guy spent five minutes with me and tried to prescribe seizure medication and call it a day.

rednaz · 11-20-2005, 09:15 PM

hmmm I have been smelling smoke - like something electrical burning, decided to search the net and found your postings... as well as others, but the scare the poop out of you - think the best thing to do it get to a dr just to check it out - as least I know I'm not completely crazy, that others have experienced this. I do think my son thinks I'm nuts because I keep asking him if he smells something burning.

thanks for sharing your experiences....

**IainDaniel** · 05-05-2006, 07:58 AM

Well it seems like these Phantom smells have been back for the last few weeks. I really don't know what the next step is?

Guess it is just something I will have to deal with.

Trouble · 05-05-2006, 09:21 AM

ID...I have some ideas. I could use a little medical mystery today.

Think I'll take a shot at providing an explanation. Don't know if there's a way to fix the problem, but since its relatively uncommon, I'm thinking its a dietary deficiency adding to the mix...or maybe something a bit more odd...

Sedentary + stress -->hypothalamus, which also processes orfactory sensory input.

I presume you want an answer and because of the stress involved, a solution.

Back in a bit.

Initial observation: this looks to be an avoidable condition - keeping active is part of the solution.

**IainDaniel** · 05-05-2006, 09:23 AM

LOL

Yeah a solution would be nice.

Thanks

bandaidwoman · 05-05-2006, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IainDaniel

Welp, my EEG came back and go figure results were normal, so the doctor said

( I am sure my wife would vouch different)

Anyway I have been monitoring when they seem to occur, I usually get them when I am sedentary, Go figure of course I am going to notice then. However what I have noticed that seemed of a little more interest, is they occur when I am sleep deprived.

EEGs are very insensitive and still can miss seizures. Sleep deprivation brings out seizures so usually, we order a sleep deprived EEG (it sounds like you had a regular one.). It is interesting that sleep deprivation brings this out more. ONce again,it may be hard for you to get the workup up there. Did you ever get a MRI? (Rember the George Gershwin syndrome.)

http://webhome.idirect.com/~brainolo...y/eeg_how.html

Quote:

sensitivity of a single EEG: 50% (10% -77%). After one or more repeat EEG (incl Sleep deprived), sensitivity rises to 80-90%. Even after several days of continuous recording, small minorities of patients with intractable epilepsy, 2-3%, do not have IEDs detectable on surface recording. This percentage may be higher among patients whose epilepsy is controlled.

just because a test is negative does not mean you don't have it. In practical medicine it is called a false negative test.

05-24-2005, 10:55 AM	#1
IainDaniel My Role Model Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 17,547	Phantom Smells The last couple of Days I have noticed a smoke/ Cigarette smell, even though none are around. Doing a search on the internet, just scares the crap outta ya, talking about Tumors, Aneurysms, Epilepsy, and Neuro Problems. Anyone experience these? Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. Michael Jordan

05-24-2005, 12:26 PM	#5
IainDaniel My Role Model Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 17,547	Yeah I read about sickness affecting the chemical reaction affecting smells. I am not worried. Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. Michael Jordan

05-27-2005, 12:42 PM	#6
IainDaniel My Role Model Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 17,547	Well looks like I am going to get an EEG done and am being referred to a neurologist. Went to see the Family Doctor. I don't know if I beleive her analysis but she said it sounds like little seizures Guess will wait and see Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. Michael Jordan

05-27-2005, 01:31 PM	#8
IainDaniel My Role Model Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 17,547	Thanks Jodi. Nah don't feel anything in particular. Just the smell of smoke. It makes me feel like I am in a smoky room, even my eyes begin to sting. Right now it is about 1 or 2 times a day for about 20 minutes. Smell is a chemical reaction so it could be numerous things. I ain't gonna get in a panic or anything. I don't really trust doctors anyway I probably wouldn't even of gone to the doctor if my wife wasn't pestering me all the time Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. Michael Jordan

05-27-2005, 02:42 PM	#10
bandaidwoman inadvertant tree hugger Elite Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 728 Photos: 4	Your doc is worried about simple partial seizures http://www.edmontonepilepsy.org/seizures.html good thing you are checking it out Official Race Member of the Crank Crushing Rednecks Eat more mud, mountain bike until you die! XX Feminine power

05-24-2005, 11:00 AM	#2
TJ Cline Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 12,545	I experienced a phantom smell in the gym today, and it wasn't cigarettes. I hate when people cant go to the locker room to do that.

05-24-2005, 12:18 PM	#3
007 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 273

05-24-2005, 12:19 PM	#4
Vieope Monochromatic Bunny Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: drinking coffee.. Posts: 14,967 Photos: 10	Yes, it happened to me. It can be a brain tumor but it is rare. Don´t worry that quick tough, it is usually caused by a cold or the beginning of a sinusitis. In a few days you will be better. Trust me.

05-27-2005, 12:45 PM	#7
calalily1972 Moderator Moderator Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 22,438 Photos: 1	Do you feel anything from this? Good luck Iain and I hope there are no problems.

05-27-2005, 02:47 PM	#11
IainDaniel My Role Model Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 17,547	Thanks for the link Bandaidwoman Is there anything to be concerned about? Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. Michael Jordan

05-27-2005, 06:14 PM	#12
bandaidwoman inadvertant tree hugger Elite Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 728 Photos: 4	Simple partial seizures presenting just as spontaneous smells can be one of the most benign forms of seizures. However, over here, imaging of the head (preferably MRI with contrast) is mandatory since you want to be sure something isn't lurking around the olefactory center in the brain (ie: a mass).aka "George Gershwin syndrome" ...... but your neurologist will most likely be ordering that. Official Race Member of the Crank Crushing Rednecks Eat more mud, mountain bike until you die! XX Feminine power

05-28-2005, 01:36 PM	#13
heeholler Mad As Toast Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Left my heart in Texas, in Florida now Posts: 2,817	I never heard of it before. Did a quick search and found others who have that and are talking about it here: http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/...phantom+smells The statue of Liberty no longer reads "Bring us your tired, your hungry, your huddled masses..." Now she's holding a baseball bat and it reads "Bring It On."

05-28-2005, 05:12 PM	#14
brodus Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Chicago, Illinois Posts: 945	What about phantom tastes? All I can taste lately is Vanilla. I think it might be from all of the supps. I am taking. Graham Cousens Band My Space http://www.flymantell.com http://www.bifunkal.com http://www.livebandkaraokechicago.com http://www.worldclassnoise.com

05-31-2005, 08:58 AM	#15
IainDaniel My Role Model Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 17,547	Well just had an EEG today. Nothing really to exciting. Bunch of plates stuck to my head. Open Eyes close eyes Open Eyes, Close Eye, Breath Deep Breath Normal, Push these Buttons. Suprised I got an EEG Appointment this quickly. Have to wait to see the neurologist for results. So will have to wait and see. The Smells have been deminishing. Last experience was Yesterday AM and only lasted for probably 10 seconds. Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. Michael Jordan

05-31-2005, 05:40 PM	#16
Vieope Monochromatic Bunny Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: drinking coffee.. Posts: 14,967 Photos: 10	10 seconds? How long lasted the other ones? Sometimes I got that all day, for at least two days.

06-23-2005, 03:22 PM	#20
IainDaniel My Role Model Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 17,547	Welp, my EEG came back and go figure results were normal, so the doctor said ( I am sure my wife would vouch different) Anyway I have been monitoring when they seem to occur, I usually get them when I am sedentary, Go figure of course I am going to notice then. However what I have noticed that seemed of a little more interest, is they occur when I am sleep deprived. Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. Michael Jordan

06-23-2005, 04:26 PM	#21
Vieope Monochromatic Bunny Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: drinking coffee.. Posts: 14,967 Photos: 10	That is one hard to detect lethal tumor.

06-24-2005, 08:47 AM	#22
IainDaniel My Role Model Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 17,547	What'chyou talkin' bout ? Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. Michael Jordan

06-24-2005, 01:43 PM	#24
IainDaniel My Role Model Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 17,547	I know I don't Know Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. Michael Jordan

10-11-2005, 09:09 AM	#25
Clayton Bigsby Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 7	That was happening to me too. I was also having strange little hallucinations. I also passed out three times in seven days. Once while driving. Crunch! I had all the tests. EKG, EKsomethingorother, MRI, Tilt table, blood work, ect, ect. Turns out that stress, high blood pressure, and massive amounts of coffee were screwing with my vegas nerve and blood was flowing out of my brain when I was standing. I got a new job and quit drinking coffee and have been fine for six months. Make sure you go to your doctors and do the tests, but also do as much research as you can. Doctors can prescribe tests and medication, but you have to actively participate for the diagnosis to be accurate. One guy spent five minutes with me and tried to prescribe seizure medication and call it a day. Last edited by Clayton Bigsby : 10-11-2005 at 09:10 AM. Reason: spelling

11-20-2005, 09:15 PM	#26
rednaz Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: California Posts: 1	hmmm I have been smelling smoke - like something electrical burning, decided to search the net and found your postings... as well as others, but the scare the poop out of you - think the best thing to do it get to a dr just to check it out - as least I know I'm not completely crazy, that others have experienced this. I do think my son thinks I'm nuts because I keep asking him if he smells something burning. thanks for sharing your experiences....

05-05-2006, 07:58 AM	#27
IainDaniel My Role Model Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 17,547	Well it seems like these Phantom smells have been back for the last few weeks. I really don't know what the next step is? Guess it is just something I will have to deal with. Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. Michael Jordan

05-05-2006, 09:21 AM	#28
Trouble Anti-mediocrity Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: On Loan From A Distant Star System Posts: 2,076 Photos: 2	ID...I have some ideas. I could use a little medical mystery today. Think I'll take a shot at providing an explanation. Don't know if there's a way to fix the problem, but since its relatively uncommon, I'm thinking its a dietary deficiency adding to the mix...or maybe something a bit more odd... Sedentary + stress -->hypothalamus, which also processes orfactory sensory input. I presume you want an answer and because of the stress involved, a solution. Back in a bit. Initial observation: this looks to be an avoidable condition - keeping active is part of the solution.

05-05-2006, 09:23 AM	#29
IainDaniel My Role Model Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 17,547	LOL Yeah a solution would be nice. Thanks Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. Michael Jordan

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