Phantosmia
Phantosmia
Phantosmia (/fænˈtɒzmiə/; from the Greek words phantasma (phantom) and osme (smell)) is a form of olfactory hallucination in which individuals perceive smells that are not actually present in their environment.
Definition
Phantosmia is a type of olfactory disorder characterized by the perception of smells without a physical source. These perceived smells are often unpleasant and can significantly impact an individual's quality of life.
Causes
Phantosmia can be caused by a variety of factors, including damage to the olfactory bulb or other parts of the olfactory system, sinusitis, epilepsy, migraine, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and certain medications. It can also be a symptom of more serious conditions such as brain tumors or neurodegenerative diseases.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of phantosmia is the perception of a smell that is not present. This smell is often described as unpleasant and can range from burnt toast to rotten eggs. Other symptoms can include a reduced sense of smell (hyposmia), a complete loss of smell (anosmia), or a distorted sense of smell (dysosmia).
Treatment
Treatment for phantosmia typically involves addressing the underlying cause. This can include medication adjustments, surgery for sinusitis or brain tumors, or therapy for conditions such as schizophrenia or epilepsy. In some cases, no treatment is necessary and the condition resolves on its own.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Phantosmia
- Wikipedia's article - Phantosmia
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