Strong Sensation of smoke

[bizarre1]

I have been experiencing a strong sudden sensation of smoke that almost chokes me over the last 5 months. I know there are no smokers around and it can happen in the car or in my house or at the office. If I inhale deeply I don't smell it, but it can go on for hours. I haven't been able to pinpoint a specific food or anything. Have had brain MRI, sinus catscan, and many other things with all showing nothing.
It all started with a persistent sore throat that lasted for months that has gone away but I have been treated with antibiotics, steroids, and other things. Still it come and goes. Anyone have any ideas?

[Broderick]

Hi,

I also have the sore throat (for about two months now) combined with occasional strong sensations of what I can only describe as the smell of burning human hair. At the same time there is a taste in my mouth which I can only equate with the smell.

I am a well controlled insulin-dependent diabetic. A few years ago, following some hypoglycaemic 'fits', I was sent for MRI scans to check for epilepsy. These proved to be totally negative and apart from the symptoms described above, I now lead a fairly normal life.

However, one thing I find truly bizarre, is that since beginning to experience the smell/taste sensation, I am getting frequent flashbacks of scenes from my early twenties (over thirty years ago). These last probably for less than a second and are usually visions of roads I used to drive down, nothing else! Wierd or what? Has any body else experienced anything like it?

[yrogerg]

"Bizarre1's" description of both the smell and light intake of breath fit me exactly.  Have had two lots of increasingly strong antibiotics to no avail.  Smell has been with me quite a lot of every day now for months.  Have also had for some 6 years what can only be described as pressure in the head - exacerbated to an instant and severe but relatively short lasting headache by sneezing, coughing, bending over (especially if also lifting), even explosive laughing! Had clear CT,etc, some 4 years ago. No abaitment in headaches and now the smoke!  Are they related?  Any ideas?

[turby]

Bizarre..

I just read you post from last month. I have the exact same thing and have for the last 4 weeks. Went to my doctor yesterday and he wants me to wait a couple of weeks to see if it leaves before we go the EEG or Cat Scan route.

What has become of your condition. Gone away? Any solutions?

Turby

[CHADDY]

Hi...when I read your post I thought of the times I've smelled smoke.  It's been 3 times I think in the last few months.  I asked my wife if she smelled it and she said no.  It happened everytime after I woke up.  I have epilepsy and think that I had seizure activity and that's what caused it.  That was all part of the smell/taste something weird part of it.  Have you had an EEG?  God bless and best wishes 8-)

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS]

This could possibly be a small seizure, called an olfactory (meaning smell) aura (meaning warning to a seizure). Since all the other testing is negative, an EEG (brain wave test) would be reasonable. You should discuss this with your doctor and see what he/she thinks. Good luck.