Clinico-laboratory characteristics and outcome of patients with eucalyptus oil-induced/provoked seizures: A case series and systematic review of the published patients

Abstract

Seizures triggered by skin application, inhalation or ingestion of over-the-counter medications containing eucalyptus oil are known. We report five children who suffered likewise. We made a systematic search for all reported cases and performed a pooled analysis to provide a comprehensive estimate of the type of seizures, their management and outcome. In 110 cases (49 children), inhalational use was the most predominant, generalised tonic-clonic (the commonest semiology) and levetiracetam was the most common anti-convulsant treatment used. Most cases had an uneventful recovery. Adults were less likely to have prolonged and multiple seizures, requiring intensive care or mechanical ventilation.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Exposure to Camphor & Eucalyptus Essential Oils and Risk of Seizure Disorder in Children: A Cross Sectional Study

“…However, EO when orally ingested can result in seizures and even death [7,9]. Seizures in children are therefore a known complication of toxicity due to camphor and EO and have been reported after ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure [4,[7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. The proconvulsant essential oils of eucalyptus and camphor can cause both generalized and focal status epilepticus [14].…”