what is phantosmia
Introduction. 'Phantosmia' is the medical term for an imaginary odour (phantom smell) . It is also known as an olfactory hallucination. The smell is unique to the person and is usually unpleasant, spoiling the taste of any food or drink consumed.It can be in one or both nostrils.ess commonly, the cause of phantosmia is either nerve cells sending abnormal smell signals to the brain, or a problem with the brain itself. This may be the result of: 1  a disease affecting the nervous system, such as epilepsy, Parkinsonâs disease or Alzheimerâs disease. 2  a stroke.