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        New Message Board Archives >> 2005 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> Strange odors during CH hit?
        
(Message started by: jon019 on Nov 21^st, 2005, 3:30pm)

Title: Strange odors during CH hit?
Post by jon019 on Nov 21^st, 2005, 3:30pm

Hello All,

The neurologist may have thought I was nuts (strange look) but did say "never heard THAT one, but I want you to tell me any and all symptoms, never know, it might help down the line".

What am I talking about? Well, for the past several years, when hit hard and breathing deeply through my nose, (trying to suck back the running faucet) I perceive a strong, distinct and unmistakeable odor of ammonia. In fact it has become a tell for me that this is going to be a bad one. Nothing like it for "regular" hits.

So, am I nuts? Anyone else here experience similar? Anyone with any idea what's going on?

Regards,

Jon

Title: Re: Strange odors during CH hit?
Post by AussieBrian on Nov 21^st, 2005, 3:43pm

If you're nuts then I'm nuts, too. You've described it exactly.

It's my personal opinion that the inside of the nose becomes thoroughly washed and our scent sensors more exposed than usual.

Title: Re: Strange odors during CH hit?
Post by MJ on Nov 21^st, 2005, 3:59pm

Can I offer you guys a breath mint.

Kidding aside, Yes I too, often, not allways, experience a noticeable odor, not ammonia like, just an indescribable odor that lasts for a bit "before" the onset of an attack.

I once asked someone if they smell something funny and they said no. So I just thought another oddball quirk.

Title: Re: Strange odors during CH hit?
Post by brainfreeze on Nov 21^st, 2005, 5:28pm

I too experience the funky smell. I haven't the words to describe it. The ammonia scent is the 'hayfever' type tickle that accompanies it. But there is a distinct odor prior to that. Ick....

Title: Re: Strange odors during CH hit?
Post by Spike_Inmyeye on Nov 21^st, 2005, 7:50pm

Mine is a moldy smell that is very transitory. I ask people if they can smell it and they can't. Talk about feeling stupid.

Title: Re: Strange odors during CH hit?
Post by Gena on Nov 22^nd, 2005, 8:53am

I own cats when ever I am very heavy in cycle I just thought I was more sensitive to the odors of the cat box.

Poor kittys I was blamming them ::)

Title: Re: Strange odors during CH hit?
Post by RobHealy on Nov 23^rd, 2005, 12:18pm

The smell I get is like a dry cleaners or something. Like a gym locker room. Not musty in an organinc way, but sort of musty nonetheless.

I can only liken it to a dry, old person's apartment with the heat jacked up in the middle of winter.

It's weird that I sense it as an odor, because it seems to just sit there even when I'm not inhaling through my nostril.

Pain free wishes, all.

-Rob

Title: Re: Strange odors during CH hit?
Post by jon019 on Nov 26^th, 2005, 8:08pm

Thanks for the replies.

Good to know I'm only as nuts as AussieBrian. Nuts about seafood and beer.. Guess I'll need that breath mint MJ.

Guess there are thankfully few with this added bedevilment. Puzzling that it is similar odors like "NH3", "ick", "cat box", "moldy", "musty". Why can't it be roses?

Regards and roasting turkey odor to all,

Jon

Title: Re: Strange odors during CH hit?
Post by kcopelin on Nov 26^th, 2005, 8:43pm

Okay, this is really interesting. I too have always noticed a strange smell. Now, I have alwasy had a very keen nose (have diagnosed car trouble by the smell) but this is an ammonia/metalic smell. Wow, the fact that anyone else experiences this could be significant for the neuros. And, you know what, my neuro never asked any questions about this.
A definite research topic. Thank you for a very interesting thread Jon
kathy

Title: Re: Strange odors during CH hit?
Post by BarbaraD on Nov 27^th, 2005, 7:30am

I smell something like baking bread or other odd ball smells. I don't think anyone's baking bread in the car or outdoors or anywhere in the house at the times I get the "scent", but I know a headache is going to hit soon. I think they call that an "aura" in migraines - guess it's the same in CH.

Hugs BD

Title: Re: Strange odors during CH hit?
Post by Annette_Emond on Nov 27^th, 2005, 9:05am

Interesting- Dave says no to odors. But... years ago I learned that a lot of people who experience epiliptic seizures can smell a distinct odor of burnt toast prior to onset. Is it possible that nerve activity is jumping around and there is a stimulation of olfactory memory?

Title: Re: Strange odors during CH hit?
Post by BobG on Nov 27^th, 2005, 11:00am

on 11/27/05 at 09:05:59, Annette_Emond wrote:

years ago I learned that a lot of people who experience epiliptic seizures can smell a distinct odor of burnt toast prior to onset.

I think Annette is right on this one. I've seen many reports/stories of someone's dog barking or other unusual behavior of a pet prior to the onset of the owner's seizure. Possibly the dog also picks up the same smell.

Title: Re: Strange odors during CH hit?
Post by BarbaraD on Nov 27^th, 2005, 4:00pm

I saw a news story about dogs that are trained to pick up on epileptic seizures before they happen. They warn the family before onset and everyone is prepared. This story was about a child and the dog went to school with the child and slept with her - it was amazing. Maybe there is something to the smell thing.

Hugs BD

Title: Re: Strange odors during CH hit?
Post by TonyG1 on Dec 1^st, 2005, 7:37pm

I don't think I've ever had the ammonia smell but my sense of smell seems keenly stronger (bloodhound like) when I'm in a cycle ....

Title: Re: Strange odors during CH hit?
Post by joke ten dam on Dec 1^st, 2005, 7:46pm

;;D well I am another crazy one I can smel all sorts of strange smels that are definitly not there. I do think we had someone that mentiond this a year or so ago but I could be mistaken. I shal ask the same question on the dutch massage board.

Title: Re: Strange odors during CH hit?
Post by ScottEinDC on Dec 1^st, 2005, 9:39pm

I've noticed an increase sensitivity while experiencing a CH, very strange. [smiley=huh.gif]

Title: Re: Strange odors during CH hit?
Post by Karla on Dec 8^th, 2005, 1:31pm

I used to have epilepsy for 28 years. I could always tell a seizure was comming because I would get a burnt toast/soapy smell and a pressure in my head. It gave me enough time to lay down, tell someone, etc.

However, with my ch I have NO smells or ordors. Sorry guys guess I am lucky with this one.

Title: Re: Strange odors during CH hit?
Post by NOLOGO on Dec 9^th, 2005, 4:29am

Hi everyone, hope all is good with you.
This is most odd, for the first time(ever) last night
I got the very Strong smell of "Acid" or "Amonia"
In my right nostril just before you know what.
I woke this morning and the smell came right back.
But it has now recceded, and no headache.
It was very overpowering(if not painfull) most strange

Title: Re: Strange odors during CH hit?
Post by Beastfodder on Dec 9^th, 2005, 12:23pm

My nose is usually so blocked I struggle to smell anything unusual,

Title: Re: Strange odors during CH hit?
Post by writer on Dec 11^th, 2005, 4:06pm

Yes, frequently, with the odor noticeable as an attack ends. Some years back I was researching in the Natl. Library of Medicine and read a hair-raising first-person account of a Kip 10 attack and was surprised to read there, too, about an odor surrounding the sufferer. His wife noticed it too, when she came in the room as the attack was ending.

I can't describe the smell--it's too weird, too vague. But it's THERE.

Title: Re: Strange odors during CH hit?
Post by tenacious on Dec 12^th, 2005, 8:01pm

on 11/21/05 at 15:30:46, jon019 wrote:

(trying to suck back the running faucet)

Are you sure it's amonia you smell, or is it chlorine? ;;D

Title: Re: Strange odors during CH hit?
Post by Melissa on Dec 12^th, 2005, 10:30pm

No odors, but my right nostril will just feel like someone shot some dry ice up into it where it is painfully acute.

Title: Re: Strange odors during CH hit?
Post by E-Double on Dec 12^th, 2005, 10:37pm

I never really thought about it.

I guess there is a real burning kinda ammoni like when peaking at a high level attack