The COVID-19 pandemic really increased our awareness of the olfactory system. Many people reported losing their sense of smell and taste, while others described experiencing strange or distorted smells. This raised questions about how a virus could affect our sensory perception. Terms like 'anosmia' (loss of smell) and 'parosmia' (distorted smell) became more familiar. But there's another lesser-known smell disorder called phantosmia, where a person smells something that isn’t actually there.
According to experts, phantosmia may also be linked to health conditions like stroke and shouldn’t be ignored. But is there any truth to it? Let’s find out.
Also Read: What Is Phantosmia And Why Does It Make You Smell Scents That Are Not Really There?
What Is Phantosmia?
According to StatPearls Publishing, phantosmia is a relatively uncommon olfactory disorder that accounts for only 10-20% of olfactory complaints.
Dr Vinaya V. Bhandari, Consultant - Neurology and Neuromuscular Specialist, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai, describes phantosmia as a smell problem that occurs when someone smells something that isn’t actually there. "This could be a burning smell, something rotten, or a chemical-like odour – even though nothing is around to cause it. It’s also called a 'phantom smell' or an 'olfactory hallucination',” he tells the OnlyMyHealth team.
Dr Bhandari further notes that this type of smell is different from more common smell problems where people lose their sense of smell (like after a cold) or where smells seem different from normal (like coffee smelling bad). In phantosmia, the brain is misreading signals and creating a smell out of nowhere, he explains.
Causes Of Phantom Smell
Several factors can cause or increase the chances of phantom smell, or phantosmia. Sometimes, the problem starts in the nose—like after a bad cold, sinus infection, nasal polyps, or even due to allergies. This can irritate or damage the smell nerves, shares Dr Bhandari. But often, the cause is in the brain, he highlights.
According to him, phantom smells can be linked to:
- Migraines
- Seizures (especially in the area of the brain that controls smell)
- Head injury
- Stroke
- Brain tumours
- Conditions like Parkinson’s disease or depression
When no clear cause is found, it is referred to as idiopathic phantosmia. It can also happen after viral infections, including COVID-19.
Also Read: A Neurologist Shares 5 Things Stroke Patients Should Never Do
Can Phantosmia Be A Sign Of Stroke?
Phantosmia can be a sign of stroke. A 2020 study of over 7,400 adults aged 40 and above in the US found that those who had suffered a stroke were 76% more likely to report phantom smells. These odd sensations could be due to how strokes affect parts of the brain involved in processing smell.
Dr Bhandari explains, “The sense of smell is closely connected to parts of the brain that handle memory, emotions, and behaviour, like the temporal lobe. In some people with epilepsy, a phantom smell can actually be the first warning sign of a seizure (called an ‘aura’). In stroke, if certain parts of the brain are damaged, it can also lead to strange smell experiences.”
So while not all phantom smells mean something serious, they can sometimes be the first clue to a deeper neurological issue.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
According to Dr Bhandari, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor if:
- The phantom smells don’t go away after a few days or weeks.
- They keep coming back without any clear reason.
- You also have symptoms like headaches, memory problems, seizures, or mood changes.
If it started after a cold, it might go away on its own. But if it lasts or worries you, especially if you’re over 40 or have other health conditions, don’t ignore it, the doctor advises. A neurologist or ENT doctor can help figure out what’s going on.
Bottomline
In most cases, phantosmia is temporary and may resolve on its own, especially after a viral illness or nasal infection, as the smell nerves heal. However, if the symptoms persist or are accompanied by other warning signs, it could point to a more serious issue in the brain. The reassuring news is that in many cases, once the underlying cause, such as migraines, seizures, or depression, is identified and treated, the phantom smells tend to improve or disappear.