Smelling Burnt Toast: A Warning Sign Before A Stroke

There is a common misconception that smelling burnt toast is a sign of a stroke. However, there is no solid evidence to support this claim. While strokes are serious and can be fatal, smelling burnt toast is more likely to be caused by sinus problems or medication side effects. This phenomenon, known as phantosmia, involves smelling phantom smells that aren't actually present. It can be distressing and impact daily life, but it often clears up on its own and is usually not a cause for concern.

There is no solid evidence that smelling burnt toast means you're having a stroke

Smelling burnt toast is not a typical sign of a stroke. This idea is a common misconception, and there is no solid evidence to support it.

While phantom smells, or phantosmia, are a real phenomenon, they are usually not the result of a brain blockage. Phantosmia can be related to a number of conditions, including nasal polyps, sinus infections, and allergies, as well as neurological conditions such as migraines, seizures, and strokes. However, phantosmia is more commonly associated with side effects of certain medications or sinus problems than brain disorders.

In the case of a stroke, while it is not a classic sign, it is also "not impossible" that changes in olfactory function could be one of the effects, according to Dr. Salman Azhar, director of the stroke program at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. A study in BMC Neurology found that nearly a third of 78 participants who had strokes experienced a reduced ability to smell, and 15% had a loss of smell, in the year following their strokes.

If you are experiencing persistent phantom smells, it is a good idea to consult a doctor to rule out any serious underlying conditions.

Phantosmia, or smelling phantom smells, can be caused by issues in the nose or brain

Phantosmia, or smelling phantom smells, is a condition where you detect odours that aren't actually present in your environment. It can happen in one or both nostrils, and the odours may be foul or pleasant. Phantosmia can be caused by issues in the nose or brain.

Common causes of phantosmia include colds, allergies, nasal polyps, and dental issues. In some cases, phantosmia can be a symptom of a more serious health condition, such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, or a brain tumour. Other potential causes include:

• Upper respiratory infections
• Taking certain medications
• Exposure to toxic chemicals, such as mercury or lead
• Traumatic head injury
• Alzheimer's disease
• Schizophrenia
• Epilepsy
• Migraines
• Sinus infections
• Allergies
• Brain tumours
• Head trauma
• Neurotoxin exposure
• Temporal lobe seizures

If you are experiencing phantom smells, it is important to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. The treatment for phantosmia will depend on the underlying cause, and may include medication, surgery, or home remedies such as nasal irrigation or nasal sprays.

Phantosmia is not usually a cause for concern and often clears up by itself

Phantosmia, or smelling phantom smells such as burnt toast, is not typically a cause for concern. It is relatively uncommon, accounting for 10-20% of disorders related to the sense of smell. In most cases, phantosmia goes away on its own without any treatment.

However, phantosmia can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition. It is important to see a doctor if you experience persistent phantom smells. Phantosmia may indicate an underlying medical cause, ranging from mild or moderate conditions, such as sinusitis, to severe causes, such as a brain tumour or a neurological condition.

If you are experiencing phantosmia, your doctor will first perform a physical exam of your head and neck. They may ask about any other symptoms and perform tests to check your other senses. They may also order an endoscopy or rhinoscopy to look into your nasal cavity and check for issues that could be causing the phantom smells. In some cases, imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, and EEG scans may be used to check for abnormalities in the nasal cavity, brain, or nervous system.

While phantosmia is usually not a cause for concern, it is important to see a doctor if you are experiencing persistent or recurrent phantom smells. This will help rule out any underlying conditions or complications and ensure that you receive appropriate treatment if needed.

Phantosmia can be a symptom of a more serious condition, so people should see their doctor

Phantosmia, or smelling phantom smells such as burnt toast, is not typically a sign of a stroke or heart attack. However, it can indicate an underlying medical condition, so it's important to see a doctor if you experience this symptom.

Phantosmia is a condition where a person smells something that is not actually present. It is also known as a phantom smell or an olfactory hallucination. While phantosmia is relatively uncommon, affecting around 10-20% of people with smell disorders, it can be distressing and interfere with daily life. People with phantosmia often describe unpleasant, foul, or disgusting odours, such as chemical, metallic, or spoiled smells.

There are various potential causes of phantosmia, ranging from issues with the nose or nasal cavity to problems with the brain or central nervous system. Localised problems, such as chronic sinus infections, allergic rhinitis, or non-allergic rhinitis, can lead to phantosmia. Additionally, brain or central nervous system disorders, including epilepsy, seizures, migraines, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia, have been linked to phantosmia. In some cases, certain medications, aging, or exposure to toxins may also contribute to the condition.

While phantosmia is not usually a cause for concern and often clears up on its own, it can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor if you experience persistent phantom smells. A doctor will typically perform a physical examination, take a medical history, and may conduct specific tests or refer you to a specialist. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause and can include allergy medications, antibiotics, chemotherapy, surgery, or other targeted therapies.

It is important to note that smelling burnt toast is not a typical sign of a stroke or heart attack. However, stroke and other serious conditions can sometimes affect a person's sense of smell. If you experience any warning signs of a stroke, such as sudden numbness, weakness, speech difficulties, or confusion, seek immediate medical attention.

The FAST acronym is a useful way to recognise a stroke

There is no evidence to suggest that smelling burnt toast is a sign of a stroke, although people have reported it anecdotally. However, a stroke can sometimes "affect an individual's sense of smell".

• F: Face Drooping – Does one side of the person's face droop or is it numb? Ask them to smile. Is their smile uneven?
• A: Arm Weakness – Is one of their arms weak or numb? Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S: Speech Difficulty – Is their speech slurred? Are they unable to speak or are they hard to understand?
• T: Time to call 999/911 – Stroke is a medical emergency. Every minute counts. Call the emergency services immediately and note the time when the symptoms first appeared.

While the FAST acronym is a useful guide, it is important to note that a study by physicians at the University of Kentucky Stroke Center found that diagnoses based solely on the symptoms described in FAST can miss up to 14% of stroke cases. There are many other common symptoms of an acute stroke, such as:

• Sudden trouble with balance or coordination
• Blurred, double or total loss of vision in one or both eyes
• Numbness of the face, arms, or legs, especially on one side of the body
• A sudden, severe headache

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