Phantosmia 5205863 215826925 2008-05-29T21:42:01Z 69.110.157.240 refs section, links, reword '''Phantosmia''' is the phenomenon of smelling [[odor]]s that aren't really present. The most common odors are unpleasant smells such as rotting flesh, vomit, feces, smoke, etc. Phantosmia often results from damage to the [[nervous tissue]] in the [[olfactory]] system. The damage can be caused by [[viral infection]], [[brain tumor]], [[trauma]], [[surgery]], and possibly exposure to [[toxin]]s or [[drug]]s.<ref>http://www.doctorhoffman.com/wwphant.htm</ref> Phantosmia can also be induced by [[epilepsy]] affecting the [[olfactory cortex]] and is also thought to possibly have [[psychiatric]] origins.{{Fact|date=September 2007}} Phantosmia is different from [[parosmia]], in which a smell is actually present, but perceived differently from its usual smell. ==References== {{refs}} {{medical-stub}}