Different Types of Hydrocephalus and Ayurvedic Treatment
Abstract
Hydrocephalus is the medical condition that causes the fluid to accumulate in the cavities of the brain. This excessive fluid leads to increased size of the ventricles and also resulting pressure on the brain. Normally this cerebrospinal fluid is flowing through the ventricles and helps in bathing the brain as well as the spinal column. Hydrocephalus can be seen at any age but is most frequently seen at the age of 60 years. This can also be reduced through surgical methods and can also help in maintaining the fluid levels. There are many different therapies through which the symptoms can be easily managed. There are three different types of hydrocephalus and through this article we are going to discuss in detail along with its herbal medicine.
Introduction
There are different types of hydrocephalus including the Communicating, Non-Communicating and Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.
1. Communicating Hydrocephalus
It is also known as non-obstructive hydrocephalus which is caused due to the blockage of the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles. In this type of communicating hydrocephalus can still flow between ventricles where they remain open which is why it is named as communicating. This hydrocephalus might result from the thickening of arachnoid present around the base of our brain which leads to blockage.
2. Non-Communicating Hydrocephalus
It is called Obstructive hydrocephalus when the flow of cerebrospinal fluid is totally blocked and the passage connecting the ventricles. Here more than one passage connecting the ventricle narrows and one of the most common causes is aqueduct of sylvius. The passage is present between the fourth as well as third ventricle of the brain. Some people who have non-communicating hydrocephalus can do the surgical procedure known as endoscopic third ventriculostomy. This surgery helps in creating a flow in CSF around the brain and making the circumstances normal.
3. Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
This type of pressure is only seen in people below the age of 50 years old and it is developed when there is a history of injury or stroke. Just like other types, normal pressure hydrocephalus is developed due to the blockage of Cerebrospinal fluid draining which leads to building up of fluid. This accumulated fluid in the ventricles then causes the ventricles to get enlarged and increases the pressure on the brain.
Symptoms
As the symptoms and signs might differ in the patient depending on the type of the disease but here are some common clinical features of the disease including
1. Infants
Here are some commonly seen signs
- Changes in the head particularly
- Head appears a little larger than normal
- Bulging on the top of head
2. Physical clinical features
- Sleepiness
- Irritability
- Poor feeding
- Vomiting
- Eyes appear downward
- Seizures
- Weakness
- Poor response to touch
- Loss of muscle strength
3. Toddler and Older Children
Here are few signs and symptoms of the disease include
- Headache
- Abnormal enlargement of the head
- Sleepiness
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Poor coordination
- Seizures
- Urinary incontinence
- Poor appetite
4. Behavioral Changes
- Personality changes
- School performance seems to decline
- Easily getting irritated
- Delayed acquired skills like talking and walking
5. Young and Middle-aged adults
- Lethargy
- Headache
- Losing balance
- Vision impairment
- Loss of memory and thinking process becomes slow.
6. Older adults
People above the age of 60 years are seen with clinical features
- Not able to control the bladder and their frequent urgency to pass urine.
- Loss of memory
- Loss of thinking process
- Difficulty in walking and disturbed gait.
- Poor coordination
What Are The Causes for Hydrocephalus?
It is caused due to the imbalance between the levels of cerebrospinal fluid produced in the brain and the amount of it absorbed into the bloodstream. Cerebrospinal fluid is normally produced by the lining of the ventricles of the brain and fluid eventually goes into the spaces present around the spinal column as well as brain. It is then primarily absorbed by the blood vessels present in the tissues near the base of the brain.
The main function of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain is that
- It helps in keeping the brain buoyant and allowing the heavy brain to float inside the skull.
- It helps in removing waste products from the brain.
- Cushioning helps in preventing the brain from getting injured.
- The back and forth flow of the fluid between the spinal column and brain cavity which helps in maintaining the constant pressure in the brain.
Risk Factors
In many cases it is seen that the main cause of the disease is not known but there are many medical problems that can contribute to the triggering of hydrocephalus including
1. Newborns
This type is present from the bruth and there are following causes including the abnormal development of the nervous system that can cause the obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid flow. There could be bleeding between the ventricles which can lead to complications during the premature birth. Infection in the uterus during the time of pregnancy like syphilis can lead to inflammation in the tissues of the fetal brain.
2. Other Factors
- Tumors present in the spinal cord as well as brain
- Infection in the central nervous system such as mumps or meningitis.
- Internal bleeding due to head injury or stroke.
- Other traumatic injuries
Diagnosis
- Here are the common test that can be done to diagnose the disease including:-
- Physical examination
- Neurological examination
- Ultrasound
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Computerized Tomography
Planet Ayurveda Provides Herbal Medicine for Hydrocephalus
Herbal Medicine provided by Planet Ayurveda is 100 % natural, pure and vegetarian. Each Product is prepared under the supervision of an MD Ayurveda Doctor and also clinically tested as well. All the herbal medicines are clinically tested as well making it safe to use and free from side-effects. Here is the list of herbal medicine including
- Brahmi Capsules
- Gotu Kola Capsules
- Ashwagandha Capsules
- Punarnava Capsules
- Amalaki Rasayan
- Brahmi Chyawanprash
Product Description
1. Brahmi Capsules
These capsules are filled with a single herb known as Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) which is well known for treating brain disorders. It is helpful in treating ailments like weakness of memory, anxiety and also epileptic attack. This herbal medicine is packed with antioxidants which help in neutralizing the free radicals in the body. Being one of the best neurodegenerative disorders it has been found beneficial in treating Hydrocephalus of any kind.
Dosage: – One capsule twice daily with water after meals.
2. Gotu Kola Capsules
It is made from the extract of one single herb known as Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) which helps in improving the blood circulation. This herbal medicine is effective in boosting cognitive function especially after the stroke. It is best for protecting the cells from forming the plaque inside the brain making it best for the hydrocephalus.
Dosage: – One capsule after meals with water twice daily.
3. Ashwagandha Capsules
This powder is packed with one herb known as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) which is well known in India. It is found very easily and is considered to be the best tonic for the brain. It helps in utilizing the oxygen more properly as it is useful in calming the nerves and boosting levels of energy in the body. Along with that it is one of the best immune boosters which is helpful in reducing the risk of any infection leading to brain stroke.
Dosage:- One capsule twice daily with water after meals.
4. Punarnava Capsules
These capsules are filled with one single herb known as Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) and are packed with rejuvenating properties. Due to its property it is helpful in eliminating any kind of accumulated water from the system. It is helpful in removing extra fluid from the brain.
Dosage:- Two capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.
5. Amalaki Rasayan
This herbal medicine is filled with one single herb known as Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) which is packed with Vitamin C. It also contains other nutrients like anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties as well. It is one of the best herbal medicines for treating age related disorders and hydrocephalus is also seen in people above the age of 60 years, So it is best for reducing inflammation and protecting the cells of the brain from getting damaged.
Dosage:- One capsule twice daily after meals with water,
6. Brahmi Chyawanprash
This chyawanprash is made from different herbs like Jivanti (Leptadenia reticulata), Jeerak (Cuminum cyminum), Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus) and many more. It helps in boosting the brain function and reducing the risk of developing any complication caused due to the hydrocephalus. It is helpful in improving the intellectual function of the brain and improving memory as well.
Dosage: – One teaspoon daily as prescribed by the physician.
Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214030 Or Check Website – www.PlanetAyurveda.com
Conclusion
All the above mentioned information concludes that Hydrocephalus is a disease that can dangerously affect the brain. It can lead to many complications so it is important to treat it timely in order to reduce the risk of any health complications. Above given herbal medicines are best for the treatment of disease.
