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Toddler with seizures due to ingesting camphor at an Indian celebration

Erica A Michiels1, Suzan S Mazor

  • 1Division of Emergency Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital, 4800 Sand PointWay NE B5520, Seattle,WA 98105, USA.

Pediatric Emergency Care
|August 10, 2010
PubMed

Insights

A child experienced seizures after ingesting ceremonial camphor tablets during an Indian celebration. This highlights a unique risk of pediatric camphor toxicity from culturally specific practices.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Pediatrics
  • Cultural Anthropology

Background:

  • Camphor, a volatile substance, is used in various cultural and religious ceremonies.
  • Ingestion of camphor can lead to significant toxicity, particularly in children.
  • Traditional Indian ceremonies sometimes involve the use of camphor tablets.

Observation:

  • A 3-year-old girl presented with seizures, unresponsiveness, and abnormal posturing after attending an Indian celebration.
  • The child had a history of vomiting and hyperactivity preceding the seizure episode.
  • The symptoms were temporally associated with potential ingestion of ceremonial camphor tablets.

Findings:

  • This case represents the first reported instance of seizures following the ingestion of ceremonial camphor tablets at an Indian ceremony.
  • Inadequate packaging and the quantity of camphor used in such ceremonies pose a risk.
  • The pediatric population is particularly vulnerable to camphor toxicity from this source.

Implications:

  • Healthcare professionals should consider culturally specific sources of poisoning, such as ceremonial camphor.
  • Increased awareness is needed regarding the risks associated with camphor use in cultural practices.
  • Improved packaging and education are crucial to prevent pediatric camphor toxicity in these settings.

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