dp1953

[dp1953]

For about the past 3 months, I have noticed an increased sense of smell that is driving me crazy. I am having dull headaches that seem to improve with Tylenol. The smell I sense is almost like a chemical smell and it is making me sick to my stomach. It does seem to get worse through out the day and even makes my throat feel as if it is tightening up, almost like an anxiety attack. Any suggestions

[CCFNeuroMD JT, MD]

Dear dp1953,

Thank you very much for your question. I am happy to address the issues that you pose, although it is important that you recognize that my impression is based entirely on the information you have provided in your posting and is by no means a replacement for an office visit with a neurologist.  Diagnosis is contingent on detailed history and physical exam and as such, the following information should be considered solely for educational purposes.

Your problem is one that definitely warrants further evaluation by your PCP and probably a neurologist.  Further details of your history would be important- i.e. other associated symptoms and whether or not your heightened sense of smell is present all the time or only intermittently.  If your heightened sense of smell (AKA "hyperosmia") is persistent and non-fluctuating, things to consider include genetic sensitivity to smell, chronic sinusitis, dental infections, brain tumors, or even depression of other psychogenic disorders.  Upon occasion, nasal polyps (small growths in the nose) may cause an altered sense of smell.  Additionally, there are some viral etiologies such as viral hepatitis that have been documented as rare causes of both "dysosmia" (when innocuous odors smell foul) and nausea.  If you were sicker, herpes encephalitis would also be in the differential although this diagnosis is generally accompanied by marked cognitive impairment, headaches, etc.

Alternatively,  if your symptoms wax and wane, I agree with a prior posting that these may be seizure-related olfactory auras.  People with epilepsy originating from the temporal lobe may have something called olfactory auras which are a type of seizure.  Unfortunately, it is impossible to arrive at a diagnosis without further testing.  I recommend a CT scan of your brain with and without contrast (if your kidney function is OK- the contrast can be toxic to your kidneys) to evaluate both your sinuses as well as to look for any sort of brain mass.  You would best be suited by visiting with a neurologist who may opt to conduct an EEG (electroencephalogram- "brain wave test") to evaluate for seizure activity.

Thanks for your question and best of luck!

Sincerely,
JBT, MD

[stinkypinky]

hi!  I've been living with the same thing for a while too. I have always had a strong sense of smell but, over the past several months it has gotten stronger.  I know what you mean about the chemical smell, it makes me sick too.  My family is amazed at how keen this sense is in me.  I wake up in the middle of the night smelling smoke from a fire blocks away!  I can be deep in REM sleep and be awakened by the smell of skunk spray!  It's like I can smell things that no other human can.  My husband and son ask me to smell the milk to see if it is still good.  I am currently being treated by a neuro for headaches, leg pain, etc.  I never thought to ask him about the increase in this sense.  Maybe I will at my next visit!  Good luck, Bye

[ginger53]

Smells or olfactory hallucination's indicate a seizure condition. Not all seizures are apparent like epilepsy or grand mal . There is a condition called petite mal. I have this and afterwards I feel sick to my stomach. For me it starts with intense memory recollections then the smell and then sick to my stomach.
Tell your doctor about this,Ginger