
Raghavendra Gopalrao Kulkarni
Subbaiah Institute of Medical Sciences, IndiaPresentation Title:
When head trauma conceals the cause: Status epilepticus due to camphor poisoning
Abstract
A 2-year-old male child presented with status epilepticus following an accidental fall from the bed. Initial management focused on trauma-related seizures, but further evaluation revealed camphor poisoning as the underlying cause which was identified by the presence of a camphor-like odor in the nasogastric aspirate and confirmed by toxicology. This case underscores the importance of thorough clinical assessment and history-taking in cases of unexplained seizures. The patient was successfully treated with supportive care, including intubation, intravenous anticonvulsants, fluid therapy, and discharged in stable condition. Camphor poisoning, a common but under recognized cause of seizures in children, occurs in areas where camphor-containing products are widely available. The best possible outcomes in a child can only be assured when a condition is detected early and managed promptly as supportive management. Additionally, public health measures should be instituted to regulate and restrict access to camphor in order to prevent accidental poisonings.
Biography
Raghavendra Gopalrao Kulkarni is a final-year paediatric resident at Subbaiah Institute of Medical Sciences, India, with a strong passion for research, teaching, and clinical paediatrics. He has published a case report in the International Journal of Contemporary Paediatrics, leading to his invitation as a speaker at this conference. He has also presented a state-level poster titled "Behind the Mask: SLE Flare Mimicking Acute Enteritis" and a research paper on "Comparison of Broselow-Determined Weight with Actual Weight in the Paediatric Population." Currently, he is working on three more publications. With 2.5 years of teaching experience, he is actively involved in mentoring and research while practicing as a paediatrician. He has participated in and won several quiz competitions, further showcasing his academic excellence. A passionate public speaker, he has delivered numerous speeches since childhood and continues to engage in academic discussions and medical conferences. His dedication to paediatrics, research, and education reflects his commitment to advancing child healthcare and contributing to the field of medical science.