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Suggest Treatment For Persistent Nosebleed When Diagnosed With Occipital Neuralgia

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Posted on Sat, 10 Dec 2016
Question: have been smelling blood inside my nose when I bend my head. this is first start with bending and without and now is just while bending my head. and I feel something will come out but nothing even inside my head sometimes. I have asked a doctor and he said nothing. he said it could be dried blood. but I didnt hit my head recently and this problem happens to me frequently. it comes and go with no reason. I would tell that before like 6 months I had head concossion I hit my head and now I have occipital neuralgia. however I have this problem even before that
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Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
This needs further investigation.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. The relation of this smell of blood with bending the neck will be related to nasal / sinus congestion. Stasis of nasal secretions causes infections. Sometimes fungal, and build up of waste products of inflammation, infection, immune system by-products and gases like nitric oxide and ammonia. This would explain the metallic, blood like smell which you experience.

2. You can get CT / MRI Scans to detect chronic sinusitis, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and changes in the olfactory tract since you have a history of concussion.

3. Due to their unique design, airflow through our sinuses and their ventilation occurs gently and passively during expiration. Minor CSF leaks also occur intermittently. This may explain why you get the smell occasionally.

4. Is it possible for any other person experience this from your breath? If yes, then there is a cause that can be found. If this smell is apparent to others, it is unlikely to be an olfactory hallucination or damage to the (olfactory) smell area of the nose. If not, then this is true parosmia / cacosmia / phantosmia. Viral infections such as influenza can cause this for years after the infection. A neurological reference will be required. Early Parkinson's Syndrome may present as phantosmia.

4. Hypothyroidism can rarely be associated with a decrease or loss of sense of smell (anosmia) though increased nasal infections are common. Diabetes, PCOD and menopause are conditions that can also cause similar symptoms.

5. Deficiencies of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Magnesium can also cause similar symptoms. However, deficiencies are fairly easy to treat. A high protein diet may also cause these symptoms. Get your liver and renal function tests done.

6. Conditions like atrophic rhinitis, post nasal drip and acid/ bile reflux may also co-exist. Use a medicated gargle.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries I will be available to answer them.

Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Answered by
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Dr. Sumit Bhatti

Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 2685 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Persistent Nosebleed When Diagnosed With Occipital Neuralgia

Brief Answer: This needs further investigation. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for your query. 1. The relation of this smell of blood with bending the neck will be related to nasal / sinus congestion. Stasis of nasal secretions causes infections. Sometimes fungal, and build up of waste products of inflammation, infection, immune system by-products and gases like nitric oxide and ammonia. This would explain the metallic, blood like smell which you experience. 2. You can get CT / MRI Scans to detect chronic sinusitis, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and changes in the olfactory tract since you have a history of concussion. 3. Due to their unique design, airflow through our sinuses and their ventilation occurs gently and passively during expiration. Minor CSF leaks also occur intermittently. This may explain why you get the smell occasionally. 4. Is it possible for any other person experience this from your breath? If yes, then there is a cause that can be found. If this smell is apparent to others, it is unlikely to be an olfactory hallucination or damage to the (olfactory) smell area of the nose. If not, then this is true parosmia / cacosmia / phantosmia. Viral infections such as influenza can cause this for years after the infection. A neurological reference will be required. Early Parkinson's Syndrome may present as phantosmia. 4. Hypothyroidism can rarely be associated with a decrease or loss of sense of smell (anosmia) though increased nasal infections are common. Diabetes, PCOD and menopause are conditions that can also cause similar symptoms. 5. Deficiencies of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Magnesium can also cause similar symptoms. However, deficiencies are fairly easy to treat. A high protein diet may also cause these symptoms. Get your liver and renal function tests done. 6. Conditions like atrophic rhinitis, post nasal drip and acid/ bile reflux may also co-exist. Use a medicated gargle. Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries I will be available to answer them. Regards.