What is an Olfactory Hallucination

Abstract

One type of olfactory hallucination was first reported to occur preceding an epileptic type of seizure and was called an “aura” or “breeze”. This odor usually precedes the seizure by seconds, minutes or even hours but the hallucination usually lasts only seconds to minutes. This type of olfactory hallucination has been reported to smell rancid, fecal, burned, smoky, chemical or exceedingly sweet. This type of olfactory hallucination preceding a seizure is not uncommon but it is less common than a visual or auditory hallucination preceding a seizure. The seizure following the “aura” or hallucination is usually of a typical type with loss of consciousness and bodily shaking. This type of hallucination is usually transient. Following this seizure there is usually a period of recovery called a “postictal state” during which time the patient recovers from the effect of the seizure [1].