title: [Camphor poisoning following ingestion of mothballs 'for headache'].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Camphor is a toxic hydrocarbon, found in numerous over-the-counter medicinal products and chemist-shop items. The consequences of camphor poisoning depend on the dose, and severe poisoning can result in death. Ingestion of camphor can cause seizures, apnoea, renal insufficiency, raised hepatic enzyme levels, and vomiting resulting in chemical pneumonitis due to aspiration.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present the case of a 34-year-old female patient from the Dominican Republic who was brought into our accident and emergency department following the ingestion of camphor mothballs for persisting headaches. She was unconscious (Glasgow coma score: 3) and had severe acidosis (pH 6.59), respiratory insufficiency, electrolyte imbalance and raised hepatic enzyme and amylase levels. She was admitted to the intensive care unit and recovered quickly. Five days later, she was transferred to a general ward, where it became apparent that she was suffering from severe memory loss. After eight days she was discharged in good clinical condition, although she still suffered some memory loss.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Many every-day products contain camphor. Poisoning can lead to an acute clinical picture, and immediate intensive care department treatment is obligatory. As there is no antidote available, supportive care is the only available option when poisoning occurs.
authors.affiliation: Academisch Medisch Centrum Amsterdam, afd. Interne Geneeskunde, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. a.l.peters@amc.uva.nl
authors.forename: Anna-Linda
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Peters
authors.forename: Eline
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Dekker
authors.forename: Wieneke M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Michels
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002164:Camphor / Q000506:poisoning* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D011039:Poison Control Centers; D011041:Poisoning / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D002164:Camphor