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