Aware of obnoxious smell that is not real

In a 76 year old male with right cerebellar atrophy and possible Giant Cell arteritis is the sensation of an obnoxious smell that in reality is not present a signicant symptom confirming Giant Cell arteritis or is it related to less obvious cerebral? cerebellar atrophy. Patient has an unresponsive 'Essential Tremor'?

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

The experience of a smell that is not there may be an olfactory hallucination. This condition has been associated with several processes such as Alzheimer’s disease, depression, schizophrenia, drug withdrawal, and seizures.

Are there any other symptoms such as memory disturbance, abnormal movements (other than a tremor), family history, etc? Has your symptoms been confirmed by others (e.g., other people do not smell what you smell)?

I would suggest that you be evaluated by a neurologist. You may need neuro-imaging and/or EEG (to look at the electrical nature of the brain).

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.