What Causes Phantom Smells Of Gasoline And Headaches?

Posted on Sun, 8 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 8 Nov 2015 Answered on

Tue, 1 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : For the last 6 months off and on I keep getting phantom smell of gasoline. Some weeks are better than others. Right now it's really bad, I smell a strong smell of gasoline for about 3-4 seconds 30+ times a day. I am also getting headaches and unable to concentrate. I take 20 mg adderall and .5 mg of Xanax twice a day. It is driving me crazy

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get evaluated by neurologist in detail

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
First evaluation regarding cause like local sinusitis, head injury, frontal lobe brain lesion or any degenerative cause should be evaluated.
The treatment comprises local nasal drops, venlafaxine, anti epileptic like oxcarbamazepine, amitryptiline.
In severe cases surgical treatment may be considered.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (46 hours later)

I forgot to mention I have GERD and take 40 mg of Nexium nightly. I have not taken this for about a week, I refilled my prescription today and took my medication tonight. I still keep smelling gasoline, it is worse at night when I try to study. It can be so strong I feel like I have to clear my throat. Could this phantom smell be because of my GERD?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No, GERD doesn't lead to phantom smell

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
GERD doesn't lead to phantom smell.
The other causes and drug side effects have been communicated during previous communication.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj