The term hydrocephalus, which is derived from the Greek words “hydro” for water and “cephalus” for the head, refers to a condition in which there is an excessive buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It is also known as “water on the brain,” it describes a situation in which there is too much CSF.
The brain’s ventricles are constantly filled with CSF, which performs a variety of vital tasks including acting as a “shock absorber” for the brain and spinal cord, a means of delivering nutrients to the brain and removing waste, and a means of controlling pressure changes between the cranium and spine.
The accumulation of CSF around the brain can result from a condition that prevents its normal flow through the ventricular system, an increase in the production of the fluid, a decrease in the rate of absorption, or from a decrease in the rate of absorption of the fluid.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), hydrocephalus is thought to affect one to two out of every 1,000 children born in the United States. The majority of these cases are frequently diagnosed before birth, at the time of delivery, or in early childhood. Hydrocephalus can occur at any age, but is most common in infants and adults age 60 and older.
Causes
Hydrocephalus can be inherited genetically, may be linked to developmental disorders like spina bifida or encephalocele, or occur as a result of brain tumors, head injuries, hemorrhage, or diseases like meningitis. Hydrocephalus can be divided into categories based on onset, the presence of structural defects, or high vs. normal CSF pressures.
Acquired Hydrocephalus:This type of hydrocephalus can appear at birth or later in life and is typically brought on by an illness or injury.
Congenital Hydrocephalus:It is a condition that manifests at birth and can be brought on by things that happen during fetal development or because of genetic abnormalities.
Communicating Hydrocephalus:This type of hydrocephalus develops when there is an abnormal increase in CSF production or when there is insufficient absorption of CSF, and there is no obstruction to the flow of CSF within the ventricular system.
Non-communication (Obstructive) Hydrocephalus:It happens when one or more of the ventricle-connecting passages are blocked from CSF flow, expanding the pathways upstream of the obstruction and raising the pressure inside the skull.
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus:It is characterized by dilated ventricles with normal pressure within the spinal column and is a type of communicating hydrocephalus that can happen at any age, but is most prevalent in the elderly.
Hydrocephalus Ex-vacuo:When a degenerative illness, such as Alzheimer’s disease, a stroke, or trauma causes damage to the brain that could result in shrinking of the brain tissue, it primarily affects adults.
Symptoms;
Infants
- Unusually large head size
- Rapidly increasing head circumference
- soft spot or fontanelle that is swollen and tense
- Prominent scalp veins
- Eyes that are slanted downward or showing the sunset
- Vomiting
- Sleepiness
- Irritability
- Seizures
Children and Adolescents
- Nausea and vomiting
- Papilledema or optic disc enlargement
- Blurred or double vision
- Balance and gait abnormalities
- development stalls or stops moving forward
- Changes in personality
- Inability to concentrate
- Seizures
- Poor appetite
- Urinary incontinence
Adults
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- walking challenges or issues with gait
- decline in coordination or balance
- Lethargy
- Bladder incontinence
- Impaired vision
- Impaired cognitive skills
- Memory loss
- Mild dementia
HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT
Apis Mellifica – Top Grade Medicine
The head appears large and the eyes are prominent in children who need it. Sometimes they have a squint in one or both of their eyes. They appear very irritable and restless and may cry or scream suddenly. They are weak, have low energy levels, and have trouble sleeping. It is a leading homeopathic medicine to manage acute cases of hydrocephalus. It is especially suited to manage hydrocephalus in children.
Calcarea Carb – When Head Appears to be Too Large
Calcarea Carb is a medication that is recommended for treating cases of hydrocephalus where the head is too large. It primarily treats chronic cases (those that have been present for a long time) of hydrocephalus. Children who need it may have delayed fontanelle closure in addition to head enlargement, a tendency to excessive head sweating, weight loss, delayed growth, or delayed learning to walk and talk.
Cina – When Child is Very Irritable
Cina is made from the plant Cina Maritima, which belongs to the compositae family. It is helpful for children who are restless, irritable, and cross. These children may cry a lot and hit people around them. They may also want to be carried. Because of this, they frequently turn their heads from side to side. They may also cry while they are sleeping. These children may also have accompanying brain inflammation.
Helleborous – When Child Rolls Head from Side to Side
This medication is made from the root of a plant in the ranunculaceae family called Helleborus Niger, also known as Black Hellebore, Christmas Rose, or snow-rose. Its use is contemplated in situations where a child frequently rolls his head from side to side throughout the day and night, screams a lot, has trembling hands, has a vacant expression in his eyes and occasionally squints them, has deep sleep, has impaired vision,
Phosphorus – When Child is Dull and Sleepy
This medication is recommended for children who are dull and excessively sleepy, who have obvious signs of weakness and low energy, and who may also vomit frequently.
Digitalis – For Sudden, Sharp Cries
Children with sudden sharp cries, vomiting after eating anything, sunken, dim, dilated pupils, or squinting eyes, as well as other symptoms such as boring head into pillow, involuntary urination, scanty urination, and loss of vision, are indicated for the use of the homeopathic remedy Digitalis, which is made from the plant Digitalis purpurea, a member of the scrophulariaceae family.
Calcarea Phos – With Open Fontanelles
Calcarea Phos is indicated for cases of congenital hydrocephalus (present since birth), which is useful when a child has open fontanelles and both acute and chronic hydrocephalus, as well as cases of meningitis.
Kali Iodatum – With Squinting of Eyes
When crying, vomiting, trembling of the left side of the body, occasionally seizures, and squinting of the eyes are also present, this medication is helpful. It is also indicated for cases of blindness in these situations.
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