Camphor oil intoxication inducing seizures in a pediatric patient: a case report

Abstract

Camphor, a cyclic ketone belonging to the hydroaromatic terpene group, is frequently used in both prescription and non-prescription topical products for its antitussive, analgesic, anesthetic and antipruritic effect. Although widely available as a household remedy, camphor can be highly toxic–particularly in children-even in small doses. Toxicity often presents as neurotoxic effect such as seizures, which may occur shortly after ingestion. Camphor oil, especially when unheated or uncooked, poses a significant risk when ingested or absorbed through the skin. In pediatric patient, ingestion of as little as 3-5 ml of 20% camphor oil or more than 30 mg/kg can be potentially lethal. We report the case of an 8-year-old girl who experienced a generalized convulsion approximately ten minutes after ingesting a homemade remedy prepared with camphor oil and crushed garlic gloves. The mixture was given by her father as a treatment for pinworm infestation, after following advice found in TikTok video. Following ingestion, the child became unresponsive to both verbal and physical stimuli, eye-rolling, and two jerking movements. This was accompanied by tongue biting and cyanosis of the lips. The seizure lasted 15-20 minutes of unresponsiveness before she arrived at the hospital. This case highlights the severe risks associated with camphor poisoning especially among children. It emphasizes the importance of seeking medical treatment from licensed healthcare professionals and avoiding the use of unverified home remedies, particularly those recommended through social media platforms.