Camphor Poisoning: A Rare but Preventable Cause of Status Epilepticus

Excerpt

To the Editor: A 1.5 y, previously well, male child presented to us with recurrent vomiting and generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) since 30 min. On admission, the child was afebrile but drowsy (GCS- 10/15). Vital parameters and systemic examination was normal with no focal neurological signs. The child had a repeat convulsion aborted with injection lorazepam followed by phenobarbital loading. Investigations including blood glucose (70 mg %), electrolytes (Na⁺ 136 meq/L, K + − 3.5 meq/L), ionized calcium- 1.08 mmol/L, cerebrospinal fluid examination (acellular, protein-32 mg %, glucose – 56 mg%, culture- sterile), computed tomography of head and electroencephalogram were normal. The child had a characteristic aromatic odor from breath and vomitus. On questioning about odor, mother revealed that the child had consumed about two teaspoons of oil used for joint pains about 1 h before. The oil bottle showed camphor as a constituent though concentration remained unmentioned. The child made a complete neurological recovery in 24 h and was discharged on day 3. On follow up at 4 and 12 wk, the child was seizure free. …