Methanol-induced parkinsonism and cerebral vasculopathy due to perfume inhalation

Methanol (methyl alcohol) is a form of toxic alcohol that is found in illicit alcohol as well as household products such as solvents and paint removers. The most common cause of methanol poisoning is through ingestion of adulterated alcohol; however, other routes of poisoning may also occur including cutaneous exposure and, rarely, inhalation.

We are reporting a case of a young woman with vision loss, parkinsonism and widespread cerebral artery spasms due to methanol inhalation from domestically made perfume.

Our case highlights the increased need for awareness on the part of the public and health authorities with regard to the manufacturing and use of homemade perfumes produced with poorly processed alcohol having a high methyl alcohol content.