Camphor poisoning presenting as acute diffuse demyelination of brain

Sandhya Manorenj; Snehalatha Inturi; Narayana Pancheti

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20163097

Authors

Sandhya Manorenj Department of Neurology, Employees State Insurance Corporation, Superspeciality Hospital, Sanath Nagar, Hyderabad, India
Snehalatha Inturi Department of Neurology, Employees State Insurance Corporation, Superspeciality Hospital, Sanath Nagar, Hyderabad, India
Narayana Pancheti Department of Neurology, Employees State Insurance Corporation, Superspeciality Hospital, Sanath Nagar, Hyderabad, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20163097

Keywords:

Diffuse white matter disease, Toxic demyelination, Camphor

Abstract

Camphor is a colorless substance available in solid and liquid form. Volatile oil form of camphor is the active ingredient of Vicks Vaporub, and Tiger Balm ointments. These ointments are commonly used as home remedies for treatment of cough, cold and for topical analgesics. They are inexpensive, over the counter remedies, hence widely used in India. Neurological complication due to camphor toxicity reported is headache, mental confusion and seizures. Here we report, a case of diffuse white matter lesions in a young female due to accidental camphor inhalation while working in factory that manufactures vicks and tiger balm. The case highlights camphor as a possible cause of toxic demyelination hence potentially exposed workers should be educated about health and safety measures to prevent such complication.

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