Posted by CCF MD on September 30, 1997 at 10:23:20:

In Reply to: Abnormal Smell/Taste posted by Birgit Nazarian on September 26, 1997 at 23:53:37:

: Six weeks ago my sense of taste and smell changed overnight. I sense a burnt or chemical-sweet scent or taste instead of the normal sensations. I can not bear to eat or smell certain things as a result. I feel pretty good but it has me worried. I heard that it could indicate a brain tumor. My mother has had a parietal meningioma and heard it could be hereditary. What other symptoms might accompany a meningioma type tumor?

Meningiomas represent 15% on intracranial (within the brain) tumors and arise from the arachnoid cells.
They commonly occur in mid-life and show a distinct female predilection.
Familial cases have been described in the literature but most are sporadic.
Meningiomas can occur along the olfactory groove and hence affect your sense of smell. Taste itself is
usually not affected. Most meningiomas are benign but can cause problems dependant on their location.
Ct or MRI scans are good at picking these up.

You best bet is to first see your doctor for a general exam with a referal to a specialist if necessary.

This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for
diagnostic and treatment options of your specific medical condition.