Camphor: an herbal medicine causing grand mal seizures

Abstract

Camphor is usually used in the USA to repel insects, but it is widely used in other countries as an herb. We report the case of a 52-year-old previously healthy Nepali man who ingested approximately 10 g of pure camphor with therapeutic intention. He developed grand mal seizures, and was evaluated in an emergency room. He failed to recall the camphor ingestion initially, and was treated with phenytoin for new-onset idiopathic seizures. Examining physicians only later found out about his camphor ingestion. Finding the cause of new-onset seizures is often challenging for emergency room physicians, internists and neurologists. In addition to other well-reported causes of secondary seizures, herbal medications and supplements must also be explored.

Electrocorticographic patterns dominated by low-frequency waves in camphor-induced seizures

“…There are many recorded cases of seizures induced by camphor, especially in children 9,12,[15][16][17][18][19] . Despite these records, little is known about this phenomenon.…”

Thành Phần Hoá Học Và Hoạt Tính Kháng Khuẩn Của Tinh Dầu Blumea Balsamifera (L.) Dc. Phân Bố Ở Lâm Đồng, Việt Nam

“…Camphor is a monoterpene and is known as a waxy, flammable, and transparent solid with a strong odour (Mann, Davidson, Hobbs, Banthorpe, & Harborne, 1994). This compound is used for many fields in human life as a pest deterrent and preservative, a popular perfume ingredient, in pharmaceutical applications, and so on (Ahmed, 2016;Donkin, 1999;Ghosh, 2000;MacKinney, Soti, Shrestha, & Basnyat, 2015). In medicine, camphor has antispasmodic, antipruritic, anti-inflammatory, antiinfective, activities, and has been used as a rubefacient, contraceptive, mild expectorant, nasal decongestant, cough suppressant, etc.…”

Camphor poisoning presenting as acute diffuse demyelination of brain

“…There is few case reports of camphor poisoning following ingestion and dermal application of camphor containing products. [1][2][3][4][5] Neurological complication following camphor poisoning are headache, mental confusion, seizure and status epilepticus. 2,3,5 Camphor containing products affects the grey matter of brain.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5] Neurological complication following camphor poisoning are headache, mental confusion, seizure and status epilepticus. 2,3,5 Camphor containing products affects the grey matter of brain. There are few toxins known to cause white matter disease of brain (Toxic demyelination); they are carbon monoxide, clioquinol, chemotherapeutic agents (Methotrexate, 5 Fluouracil) and amphetamine.…”