The weird smell after a migraine, or during its aura phase, is a type of olfactory hallucination called phantosmia. These phantom odors, often described as burning, smoke, rotten meat, chemicals, or garbage, are triggered by brain hypersensitivity. They act as a, usually rare, neurological symptom of a migraine attack.

Can migraines cause weird smells?

Another way in which smell is involved is through olfactory hallucinations during a migraine attack (OHM). While these cases are much rarer, patients actually smell specific things that are not smelled by the people around them and are associated with their headaches.

How long do phantom smells last?

How long does phantosmia last? The answer to this question is different for everyone. If phantosmia is a result of a cold or infection, symptoms should go away once your condition improves. But if phantosmia is a result of a neurological issue, then symptoms can linger much longer — sometimes, for years.

Do migraines smell?

Migraine-related phantom smells are usually unpleasant, with the most common being a burning or smoke scent.

What does it mean when you smell a weird smell out of nowhere?

Phantosmia may be caused by a head injury or upper respiratory infection. It also can be caused by aging, trauma, temporal lobe seizures, inflamed sinuses, brain tumors, certain medicines and Parkinson's disease. Phantosmia also can result from a COVID-19 infection.

How Smells Can Trigger Migraine | Talking Head Pain Podcast

What are the weird symptoms of a migraine?

Some people may get prodrome symptoms, the beginning of a migraine attack. These can be subtle warnings such as constipation, mood changes, food cravings, neck stiffness, increased urination, or even frequent yawning. Sometimes people may not even realize that these are warning signs of a migraine attack.

What is the most common phantom smell?

The most frequently reported phantom smell was smoky/burnt. A novel finding was that some individuals reported phantom smells with an autobiographical connotation.

What vitamin deficiency causes phantom smells?

There is also documented evidence of olfactory hallucinations for B12 deficient patients, i.e., smelling smells (usually unpleasant) that aren't actually there (medically called phantosmia).

What is Osmophobia migraine symptoms?

Osmophobia is defined as “a fear, aversion, or psychological hypersensitivity to odors.”1 For example, the normally pleasant smell of an air freshener might repulse you during a migraine attack. Along the same lines, another smell-related symptom called hyperosmia causes a physiological heightened sense of smell.

When to go to the ER for migraine?

Go to the ER for a migraine if you experience a sudden "worst headache ever" (thunderclap headache), new neurological symptoms like weakness, numbness, confusion, vision loss, or trouble speaking, fever with a stiff neck, or a headache after a head injury, as these could signal a stroke or other serious condition; otherwise, seek urgent care or your doctor for migraines that are severe but lack these red flags, especially if they aren't responding to usual treatments.

How to stop migraines from smells?

It's important to know that scents that cause a migraine can vary from person to person. Dr. Estemalik said to avoid any triggers and to take migraine medications at the right time, if needed. “It's best to take rescue or abortive migraine medication as early as possible.

What are the 5 C's of migraines?

The "5 Cs of migraine" refer to commonly suspected dietary triggers: Cheese, Chocolate, Coffee, Cola (soda), and Citrus fruits, often associated with tyramine, caffeine, and sugar spikes that can provoke headaches in sensitive individuals, though scientific evidence varies, with chocolate cravings possibly being a migraine symptom (prodrome) rather than a trigger.

How do you flush out a migraine?

Find a calm environment

1. Turn off the lights. Light and sound can make migraine pain worse. Relax in a dark, quiet room. ...
2. Try temperature therapy. Apply hot or cold compresses to your head or neck. ...
3. Sip a caffeinated drink. In small amounts, caffeine alone can relieve migraine pain in the early stages.

What is a level 10 migraine?

10. Debilitating Pain. This unimaginable level is so intense you may go unconscious. This type of pain is likely incurred during a severe accident (eg.

Can you smell a migraine coming?

A Rare Type of Aura

Although migraine aura most commonly appears as a visual disturbance, infrequently, a migraine aura may take the form of an olfactory hallucination — in other words, smelling something that isn't there.

What's the best sleeping position for migraines?

SLEEP POSITION: SIDE-SLEEPERS

Often, for those with broad shoulders, 2 pillows will be necessary or you may use the higher side of a contour pillow (as shown above). The chin should be slightly tucked down to prevent strain at the base of the head.

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