funny smell while having a catscan

Guest over a year ago

I also experienced this smell at the last 30 seconds of my cat scan. Smelled like I was exhaling something acrid like smelling salts or something to that effect. I was not expecting that and super freaked out. I did not say a word as I thought they would think I was crazy. I wish they would have warned me. I’m sneezy now. I’ll have to ask my doctor about it and get back to this thread as google hasn’t been very helpful, however, you all have been! Thanks for the info!

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Guest over a year ago

Just had another ct scan today at Sloan Kettering on head neck area and yes I also have smelled an odor during the scan each time I have had one over the years, I’d say 5-7 different scans, not all at same place, all the same odor. It’s unusual unique distinctive and until right now I have best described it as ammonia. I now half expect anticipate the non response from the tech when I ask them if anybody else has asked about it, which of course they say nobody has said anything. I’m glad I finally checked here today to see I’m not alone crazy. Strange that it is hard to find online, makes me wonder if that is by design? I would agree with some of the other posts that it is a metallic kind of smell so maybe my assessment of ammonia is the best my perception could come up with comparatively speaking... it must be something if this many are posting about it...

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Guest over a year ago

Same thing happend to me exact thing just now I'm in er.I do have very sensitive smell though the cat scan lady said I never herd that then right after the right side of my head started to hurt briefly. Like a migraine type pain.

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Guest over a year ago

I had a ctscan on my head and i smelled a mettallic smell while the noise git louder then it went away .....

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watchful pitch over a year ago

I had the oddest thing happen to me today. I had Covid back in January. Lost my sense of smell and taste, then became very muted and distorted. I went to ENT and he ordered me to get a CT scan because I also have sinus issues. When I went to the CT scan today and the machine started, I smelled the most sickening awful metallic strong chemically smell ever. I haven’t been able to smell anything in months and I was able to smell that!? Go figure

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offshore impression over a year ago

I also have experienced this smell during a brain ct without contrast, it was quite upsetting and lasted quite a while. Would love to know what it is! Im sure whatever it is isnt good for you!

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Guest over a year ago

They have never been there I had these test some 40 years ago and had that strange smell. I just had another head ct scan today and same smell

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Guest over a year ago

I had a cat scan last night..I smelled something burning and heat in my head. I have two cochlear implants that were taken off but the inner coils were still there.

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Guest over a year ago

Also smelled odd smell only when CT machine scanning. Tech said several
Patients have said this too!

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Guest over a year ago

Me too! Just had head scan for sinus issues and got a a weird burning smell, my heart went fast and felt like a heat sensation on my head too.

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Health Hero

1626 posts

Levar85 over a year ago

Hi!

If you experienced a burning smell and heat sensation during a head scan, it's possible that this was caused by the equipment used during the procedure.

The fast heartbeat could have been caused by anxiety or stress related to the scan. It's common for people to feel anxious or uneasy during medical tests, especially if they are not sure what to expect.

If you are still experiencing symptoms or are concerned about your health, it's important to follow up with your healthcare provider. They can provide a more detailed assessment and recommend any necessary treatment or further testing.

But, based on my experience, you will be ok in no time. You just got a bit nervous. :)

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Guest over a year ago

Had one done today, exactly how I ended up here also.

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Guest over a year ago

ive had about 5 head cts without contrast, I would fet the smell every time, techs think i'm mistaken wish i could describe the unusual odormaybe like a pool with chemicals

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Guest over a year ago

this explains:
HV transformers allow ozone formation, then that makes hydrogen peroxide with the water in your mouth and nose.

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Guest over a year ago

what type of smell did you have? i might have a yeast infection when having the cat scan and 3 days later i have this weird smell and since everything seems off.

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