HYDROCEPHALUS

INTRODUCTION

Hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain’s ventricles , the excess fluid increase the size of ventricles and leading to increased pressure on the brain.

TYPES OF HYDROCEPHALUS

• Congenital hydrocephalus : This type of hydrocephalus is present at birth and may be caused by genetic abnormalities or developmental disorders that affect the flow or absorption of CSF .
• Acquired hydrocephalus: This type of hydrocephalus develops after birth and is often due to conditions such as brain tumors , infections , hemorrhage or trauma
• Communicating hydrocephalus : In this type of hydrocephalus , there is a problem with the absorption of CSF , leading to a buildup of fluid within the ventricles. The CSF can still flow between the ventricles , but it is not being absorbed properly into the bloodstream.
• Non-communicating hydrocephalus : This also known as obstructive hydrocephalus , this type occurs when there is a blockage or obstruction in the pathways that allow CSF to flow between the ventricles.
• Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH): This type of hydrocephalus is characterized by an enlargement of the ventricles without an increase in pressure.

CAUSES

Some Common Causes include :

• Obstruction : Blockage or narrowing of the passages (ventricles) that allow CSF to flow through the brain can lead to hydrocephalus.
• Overproduction of CSF : In some cases , the body may produce too much CSF , leading to a buildup and subsequent hydrocephalus.
• Impaired CSF absorption : CSF is normally absorbed into the bloodstream after circulating through the brain . If this absorption process is impaired , CSF can accumulate and cause hydrocephalus.
• Infections
• Hemorrhage

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of hydrocephalus mostly depend on age.

In infants sign and symptoms include :

• Increase in head size
• Irritability
• Seizures
• A bulging or tense fontanels (soft spot on the top of the head)
• Persistent vomiting
• Sleepiness
• Poor feeding or difficulty swallowing

Symptoms in older children and adults include :

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred or double vision
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
• Urinary incontinence or urgency
• Changes in personality or congnition including memory loss

ROLE OF AYURVEDA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HYDROCEPHALUS

According to Ayurveda Hydrocephalus is correlate with “Shirshambu Roga”.

• The imbalance in the production of CSF is a result of aggravation of Vata Dosha .
• Vata is considered as the controller of various functions of other Doshas (pitta , kapha , dhatus and malas).
• The aggravation of vata dosha is responsible for the vitiation of the dosha , dhatus and malas. As a result of increase in amount of jala(ambu) dhatu in cephalic region which causes raised intracranial pressure and rise shirshambu roga .

Symptoms of shirshambu roga include :

• Excessive cry
• Redness of eyes
• Nausea and vomiting

Treatment of hydrocephalus according to Ayurveda

Ayurvedic treatment for conditions affecting the brain and nervous system typically involves restoring the balance of the Doshas through diet , lifestyle modifications , herbal remedies and panchakarma therapies

Panchakarma therapy

• Shirodhara
• Nasya
• abhyanga

Herbs

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
• Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
• Gotukola (Centella asiatica)
• Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)

Diet

• Eat a variety of fresh , whole foods : Include a variety of fruits , vegetables , whole grains , legumes , etc in your diet.
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid processed foods and sugar
• Avoid alcohol and smoking

Lifestyle modifications

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid activities that increase intracranial pressure
• Manage stress
• Maintain good posture