I have been experiencing a phantom smell for about 2 1/2 months, something like burning peanuts. I had surgery for a brain aneurysm a little over 5 years ago. My ethmoidal nerve was severed during this surgery and since then I have not had a sense of smell. I have had very little sense of taste as well, but lately, everything tastes burnt or bad.
Neurosurgical operation of aneurysm with nasal approach may lead to injury of olfactory nerve and its twigs. Sometimes patient has this phantom feeling of abnormal smell. As taste also depends upon smell, it may also be abnormal. Some relief may occur with time. Wish you good recovery and health.