DOI: 10.36347/sjmcr.2014.v02i01.023

Pages: 57-58

Camphor was originally obtained by distillation of the bark from the camphor tree, Cinnamomum camphora. Today, it is produced synthetically from turpentine oil. Camphor has been used topically to relieve pain, and treat warts, cold sores, hemorrhoids and osteoarthritis and is a common ingredient in a wide variety of over-the-counter topical products. Neurotoxicity in the form of seizures can occur soon after ingestion. Isolated cases of camphor-induced seizures have been reported in young children after gastrointestinal, dermal, and inhalation exposure. We report a case of camphor poisoning who experienced an episode of generalized tonic clonic seizure and respiratory failure.