Neurological safety of repeated inhalation of eucalyptus thailam: A case report from South India

Eucalyptus oil is widely used in traditional medicine, particularly in South India, in the form of eucalyptus thailam for respiratory conditions such as cold and cough. Although generally considered safe, previous studies have reported neurological side effects, including seizures, particularly through ingestion or inhalation. This case report describes a 21-year-old healthy male who inhaled eucalyptus thailam multiple times daily for several days to relieve symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection. He subsequently experienced an episode of giddiness, followed by involuntary movements and up-rolling of the eyes, but without any frank seizure activity. Neuroimaging was normal, and he was treated with intravenous levetiracetam. The patient remained clinically stable with no recurrence of symptoms on follow-up. This case suggests that while eucalyptus thailam inhalation may cause transient neurological symptoms in some individuals, it may not necessarily lead to seizures. Awareness of such effects is important for clinicians, especially when evaluating patients using traditional remedies.