Meera Joshi Meera Joshi Asked 5 months ago

Is smelling something burning a sign of a stroke?

My mother-in-law has been having these odd spells where she suddenly smells something burning, but there's nothing there. Her blood pressure is a bit high sometimes. Could smelling something burning unexpectedly be a sign of a stroke?

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7 answers

Megha Kapoor Megha Kapoor Joined Mar 2026 5 months ago
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I completely understand how terrifying it is to experience a sudden weird smell and immediately think the worst, my health anxiety has made me panic over similar things. While a phantom burning smell can sometimes be linked to a stroke or seizure, it is often just a sinus issue. Please get checked by a doctor to ease your mind and be safe.

Aniruddh Bose Aniruddh Bose Joined Feb 2026 5 months ago

Smelling something burning when there is nothing there is a sensory distortion that can stem from various causes, ranging from simple sinus infections to serious neurological issues like a stroke. Because the brain is complex, you should not try to self-diagnose. It is best to consult a medical professional promptly for an accurate evaluation.

Shilpa Gokhale Shilpa Gokhale Joined Jun 2026 5 months ago

Such strange symptoms make us worry so much, ho na. Smelling a burning scent out of nowhere can sometimes be a sign of neurological trouble, including a stroke. It is very important to get this checked by a proper doctor immediately instead of waiting at home.

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Consult a neurologist

Sanya Mirza Sanya Mirza Joined Apr 2026 5 months ago

I totally get it, smelling a burning odor out of nowhere must be really confusing and scary for you. While it can be a warning sign of a stroke, it can also be due to other nasal or nerve issues. Please do get evaluated by a doctor quickly just to make sure you are completely safe.

Rohan Salvi Rohan Salvi Joined Mar 2026 5 months ago

Yaar, smelling something burning when there is actually nothing there is pretty weird and can be a sign of a stroke or a brain aura. Don't ignore this or wait around to see if it stops. Just go to a clinic or hospital and get a doctor to check it out immediately.

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Nisha Jaikishan Nisha Jaikishan Joined Jan 2026 5 months ago

When my husband had a sudden sensory issue, we went straight to a reputable multi-specialty hospital to get a proper diagnosis. Smelling something burning can indeed point to a stroke or nerve issue, so please do not take any chances. Ask your doctor clearly for a neurological exam and get the necessary scans done.

Thomas Mathew Thomas Mathew Joined Mar 2026 5 months ago

As a medical professional, I can tell you that phantom burning smells, or phantosmia, are sometimes neurological warning signs of a stroke or seizure. If this is accompanied by sudden weakness in your limbs, facial drooping, or difficulty speaking, please head to the nearest emergency room immediately.

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