Smell Without Cause, Is It Normal Or Symptoms Of Epilepsy?

Illustration of covering the nose (Photo: Freepik/benzoix)

Have you ever smelled a smell that smells bad, even though the source is not there? This condition in the medical world is known as a hallucinations of smell (phantosmia). Although it can be caused by various factors, one of the causes that need to be watched out for is epilepsy.

"Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition characterized by recurring seizures that are not triggered by high fever or other external causes," said dr. Irene Halim Subrata, Sp.N, a neurology/saraf specialist at EMC Cikarang and Pekayon Hospitals, quoted from the EMC website.

In some patients, the symptoms are not always in the form of severe shaking or sudden falling. There is also a form of epilepsy aura, which is an early sign before seizures that can appear in various sensations.

One of them is the aura of olfaktori, where the sufferer smells an unrealistic odor, such as the burning smell, the smell of rubber, the smell of metal or the smell of rot. These symptoms usually indicate disturbances in the temporal lobe of the brain, a part that plays a role in processing memories and the sense of smell.

Not all hallucinations that smell are epilepsy. Halucination of smell can also occur because:

- Sinus infection or respiratory problems

- Migraine

- Head injury

- Certain psychological disorders

- Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's

However, if the symptoms of the strange smell recur, lasts several seconds until minutes, and sometimes followed by seizures or loss of consciousness, then epilepsy should be suspected.

In addition to kissing a smell that is not there, epilepsy sufferers with temporal lobe disorders may also experience:

- Feelings of d\"ej vu (feelings of having experienced the same incident)

- Suddenly fear for no reason

- Empty eyes and no immediate response

- Automatic movements without realizing it, such as chewing or squeezing your hand

- Confused shortly after the incident

If you or your closest person often experience a strange smell without a clear source, you should immediately consult a neurologist (neurologist). Doctors will usually perform examinations such as EEG (to see brain electrical activity) or brain MRI (to find out any structural disorder).

With the right diagnosis, epilepsy can be treated using anticonvulsion medication. In some patients, other treatments such as ketogenic diets or nerve surgery can also be an option.