Bad smell or taste?

[bingbing75]

Hi, does anyone who has had a bi sometimes get a bad smell or taste? I occasionally get a putrid strong smell that lasts for days, it is horrendous and have to relieve it (or cover it up) by smelling perfume or toothpaste on a piece of tissue, it only stops it for a second. Recently I had similar, but with a bad, bad taste! I couldn't eat or drink as soon as something was put in my mouth, the taste became stronger, almost to the point of spitting it out. I had. Ct scan and other tests to see if it was some form of epilepsy. It was not, and lasted far to long in reality to be this. Would just be interested if anyone else suffers from this?

[cat3]

This condition, known as Phantosmia, is common after any type of brain injury.

I have an olfactory disturbance (Troposmia) since a brain haemorrhage 5 years ago which causes smells to be 'corrupted' so that my once favourite perfume smells rancid, previously favourite foods I interpret as having a nasty chemical taste, and vile smells simply don't register.

There's unfortunately no cure or treatment although I'm told that some people learn to tolerate the problem with psychotherapy and/or the use of steroids.

I know it's theoretically possible to eradicate the problem, with surgery to the appropriate area of the brain which would completely wipe out all subequent taste and smell, but assume it would be a risky procedure.

I've learned to live with mine over the years, but you seem to have a far more invasive version of the condition. I don't know how much investigation you've undergone so far but, if you haven't already, you might want to get a referral to a neurology clinic just to be sure of a firm diagnosis.

This condition often resolves naturally, but there's no way of knowing if or when unfortunately. But I hope that will be the case for you bing. Best wishes, Cat x

[eddstjohnoneday]

yes I get since bi taste s nothing tastes like it used to also say spicy food just get hot tongue

smell well its not there its like deap heat cant smell that its say I have all the smells you learn

have gone and I have to liedown a lot have windows always open and ill be resting in agony

spine fatigue and I smell lavender in the breeze ive my door shut I sware its like someone is in the

room or has been in my room anyway . my bi I suppose I get one like metal taste and my tongue

is tingling cant explain . so I think we all loose certain things with bi . hope this helps my friend

all the best eddie

[Hidden]

I have a friend who suffered a stroke 18 months ago who complained of food tasting awful. He's not mentioned it for a while so I will ask him if it's improved. I guess it's pot luck where the bi hits as to how you will be affected. I am one of the many who suffer with noise intolerance. X

[eatgreatfeelgreat]

There is a charity called FifthSense for people with smell disorders (no smell at all, or a distorted sense of smell). fifthsense.org.uk. They have a list of all of the consultants in the UK who deal with smell disorders plus they have a newsletter where they share current research/ new forms of treatment.

[bingbing75]

Thanks for the replies! Since it only happens occasionally, I can live with it. It's just when it does happen it is intense, which is why I went to the doctor, which is very rare for me! I just couldn't stand it anymore and was hoping for a quick cure to stop it. Just strange that in 17 years the smell had come and gone, and never had the taste one until recently. Still I guess taste and smell are strongly related. I also read somewhere that you can think it's a smell but really originates from taste and vice versa. Thanks again

[maya72]

I had similar symptoms of smell additionally it also make me feel dozy it was very persistent but gradually it's a little bit better.I did had My CT angiogram and waiting for results.

[bingbing75]

Which part of the brain was injured? Mine was frontal lobe left. Wondering if that has a relationship with smell. Also from the scan it said the anerysm, clip or damage was in a different place than they thought, but didn't quite understand what exactly what the report was saying!