Why you should be worried if you can smell burnt toast even though it’s not a sign of a stroke

A doctor has revealed that smelling burnt toast isn't really a reliable sign of a stroke - but that doesn't mean you can relax if you have this symptom.

It can actually be a symptom of some equally terrible medical conditions.

Do you smell burnt toast when having a stroke?

You may have heard that some people who've suffered from strokes realised it was happening because they could smell burnt toast.

However, this has only been an anecdotal sign and it's not considered a typical sign to be on the lookout for.

Mike Figuero, head of the American AED CPR Association, said it was a 'common myth' that a person having a stroke would begin to smell burned toast and said it was actually a sign of 'phantosmia', referring to phantom smells.

He said that it can happen to stroke victims depending on which part of the brain is affected by the stroke, and that the phantom smell could be all manner of things not limited to burning toast.

Instead, health experts would prefer that people stick to the more verified signs of a stroke including facial drooping, a weakness in the arm, difficulty speaking and a numbness on one side of the body.

If you can smell something which isn't there it may be a sign of something, though it's unlikely to be a stroke. (Getty Stock Photo)

Headaches, blurred vision and a lack of co-ordination can also be part of the signs of a stroke, while Figuero also noted that symptoms of a stroke may present differently in women.

Fatigue and weakness throughout the whole body, as well as a feeling of nausea could be symptoms of a stroke.

What does smelling burnt toast mean?

If you're smelling things that aren't there then it's probably not the sign of a stroke, but it could be a warning sign that something else is wrong.

While doctors are not entirely sure as to the concrete causes of phantosmia, studies have linked it with the likes of traumatic brain injury, brain tumours, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, sinusitis and a number of other serious conditions.

Diagnosing phantosmia can involve describing your experiences to a doctor as they try to rule out possible causes in order to narrow down the root of the phantom scent.

Burnt toast is one of the more common phantom smells. (Getty Stock Photo)

Normally, phantosmia is not a major cause for concern and will move along by itself, but if it's a persistent stench that keeps returning with no obvious source, then getting in touch with a doctor is the right move.

People with Long Covid have previously reported the phantom smell of burnt toast, along with other strong pongs such as fish.

As for the health risks of actual burnt toast, experts have warned that eating it can slightly increase your risk of getting cancer.

Meanwhile, other researchers have warned that the charred particles from burnt toast might even be as harmful as traffic fumes.

Perhaps it's time to turn that toaster setting down a bit.