Shit… this is bad isn’t it?

[AJT43]

A few months ago I smelt burning on and off for a few days; I was about to see the GP about it and it just stopped.
Fast forward I’ve had it a few times since but it passed quickly.
The last 3 or so days I’ve been smelling burning and foul smells on and off. Then this morning I woke up with a terrible headache at the back of my head.
I plan on calling the GP first thing on Monday morning but I am honestly so scared. Google tells me the bleakest thing. I’m 31 years old with 2 small children and I’m just terrified.

I’m seeing a neuro in July.

of they don’t push the apt back again 🙄

I’ll be asking for mri if they dont mention it

the bloody feeling of being stabbed in the eye with a burning hot needle is not something I’d like to continue being woken up with for 25 years.

your a bloody heroine

It may just be an odd reaction to a virus but please don't ignore a burning smell just because nobody else can smell it. Some of us have a much better sense of smell than others.

I smelled gas one day but nobody else could. I stopped the DC from going in the house and called the emergency gas people out. They confirmed a small gas leak - we didn't use gas. in the house so the leak was from where the old pipe had been cut off under the stairs.

My DB had this, had a brain scan and they found nothing, he de stressed his life and has not experienced it again.

I have this and it's anxiety and stress related .

I always get this with sinus infections and a foul taste inbetween the back of mouth nose and mouth. Try not to worry op. Xx

I smell horrible things which are part of my migraines attacks.

Migraines make me smell burning. Sinusitis makes me smell disgusting things

This! But see your GP asap and talk it through. Don’t do nothing! You need to see a doctor because you are worried. Let them reassure you not MN or Google because you need to be checked over properly.

There are loads of other possible causes. The most like, migraine.

I’ve just had that. It was a horrible and persistent sinus infection. I smelt burning and at another time I smelt something like creosote. The burning smell was really weird. I kept commenting on it at work, but nobody else could smell it.

• What is Phantosmia?
• Phantosmia is a condition where you perceive smells that aren't actually present, also known as olfactory hallucinations.
• These phantom smells can be unpleasant, like burning, smoke, or chemicals, or even pleasant.
• Common Causes:
• Infections: Colds, sinus infections, and upper respiratory infections can trigger phantosmia.
• Allergies: Allergies and nasal polyps can also cause phantom smells.
• Medications: Certain medications can have phantosmia as a side effect.
• Migraines: Migraines can sometimes be accompanied by phantom smells, often a burning or smoke scent.
• Seizures: Temporal lobe seizures can cause olfactory hallucinations, including phantosmia.
• Neurological Conditions: Conditions like Parkinson's disease, head injuries, and brain tumors can also be associated with phantosmia.

I smelled burning for weeks subsequent to having Covid.

I had this due to Covid I lost my smell for 5 months then when it came back the phantom smoke smells started, it went on for about nine months and I still get it every now and then along with poo smells. I also had very bad migraines and headaches alongside the infection.

I did smell training which improved things. Book a GP appointment on Monday just to run things by them but phantosmia is pretty common so try not to worry.

You can try smell training at home too, it is easy to do yourself.

https://abscent.org.uk/learn-us/smell-training/

Step away from Dr google!
its more likely to be a symptom of sinusitis and particularly with the headache a migraine or Covid

I've smelt burning on and off for a while, along with dizzy spells.. however just had CT results of my head, and it was fine.
Sinus and ear problems are likely to be the cause, so try not to think the worst OP.

How long did you have to wait for your ct appointment and scan results? Xxx

@AJT43 I had that exact symptom last time I had Covid. It lasted about 2 weeks.
But, please just go get a medical opinion in person at your clinic/hospital etc. Putting off getting a check-up helps no one.

I know someone who had a brain tumour and it was very clear that something was wrong and the symptoms worsened very quickly. A smell of burning doesn’t seem anywhere near serious enough for what you’re imagining.

I had exactly the same issues, I kept smelling like struck matches sulphur smell and that hot straightener or hairdryer smell. I seriously thought I was being haunted at first, it drove me wild, I would literally walk around the house checking every socket and DH thought I was losing my mind.
I started getting occipital migraines and got referred to ENT from GP. I had a nasal endoscopy which showed nothing but the consultant diagnosed with GERD. Believe it or not. I had zero other symptoms and was absolutely adamant he was full of shit, he prescribed lansoprazole and sumatripton for migraine and after approximately 3 weeks the smells disappeared.
I do sometimes still get the smells every few months.

I had this on and off and it turned out to be my sinuses.

I know it's scary and in general we tend to be drawn to the worst possibilities rather than the actual likely ones. Brain tumours are rare and rarer still at your age. It's easier said than done, but you need to try and wait until you get a diagnosis rather than jumping to conclusions.

Twice - different houses in different countries - when I could smell burning that gave me a headache and nobody else could smell it - it turned out to be the wiring of the electricity fuse box. The plastic covering burning cased the headache.

Another time when an "odd smell" gave me a headache it was the gas meter ...

I smell burning very easily to the extent that I can smell dust burning on light bulbs if they haven't been dusted

I had this - I was diagnosed with olofactory migraines. I smelt unpleasant things and gas……I even called the gas board out twice because I was convinced there was a leak.

Google is often so misleading when it comes to these things. I think the idea is if they give the worst possible outcome people wont put off getting checked out and in the small percentage where it is that it will hopefully get caught early enough to help.

If it’s reassuring, my sister convinced herself that her blurred vision and headaches were a brain tumour after googling it and it turned out she just needed a new prescription for her glasses.
Obviously not going to be the exact cause in your case but it’s likely something as minor

I had a cold on and off for 3 weeks. From week 2 till now, week 6, I’ve had an awful smell in my nose. The smell is so strong it goes against my breath, it’s not burning but perfume.
Theres something called pantosmia that comes on after having a cold or virus.

CT scan was about 3.5 weeks.. I was offered one earlier on a Sunday, but I couldn't get there. Results were 16 days later.

I too was convinced it was going to be bad after googling, 'tis Satan's work, don't get sucked in! 🙂 x