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Dr. Vikram Chauhan - MD (Ayurveda)

Friday, July 19, 2019

How Ayurveda can help in treating Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)?

Our brain and spinal cord are surrounded by a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid accumulates in the cavities of the brain called ventricles. The main function of this fluid is to protect the brain and the spinal cord, supply nutrients and eliminate the waste products.

AS PER AYURVEDA ASPECT

In Ayurveda, this condition is not properly described but as per its symptoms, it is caused due to the vitiation of vata and Kapha dosha which leads to the impairment in the functioning of brain due to the accumulation of ama in the body channels.

AS PER MODERN ASPECT

Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a condition in which there is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid which causes an enlargement in the ventricles of the brain. In most of the cases, the main cause of this blockage is unclear.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)

Prevalence

NPH is mostly seen in older people (between the age group of 60 and 70) and it is estimated that up to 7 lakhs of Americans have this disease but only 20% receive an appropriate diagnosis. Many times this disease has been misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease.

HOW NORMAL PRESSURE HYDROCEPHALUS CAN BE CAUSED?

The main cause of primary normal pressure hydrocephalus is idiopathic (unknown cause). Hence it is referred to as primary normal pressure hydrocephalus.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF NORMAL PRESSURE HYDROCEPHALUS?

These are considered as the hallmarks of normal pressure hydrocephalus which include:

  • Difficulty in walking and when it is compared to a person’s walk, the body is bent forward, legs held wide apart and feet moving as if these are glued to the deck.
  • Loss of interest and difficulty in completing daily routine work, forgetfulness and short term memory loss.
  • Low concentration power and changes in behavior and personality with declining in thought processes.
  • Sudden fall

Urinary Symptoms

  • Loss of bladder strength to control which also appears later in the disease
  • Unable to hold stools (but it is a less common symptom)
  • Frequent micturition
  • The urgency to pass urine
  • Urinary incontinence

Increase Of Pressure In The Brain

  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty in focusing on an object

Other Common Symptoms Are

  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Excessive sleep
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Muscle spasm

HOW NORMAL PRESSURE HYDROCEPHALUS CAN BE DIAGNOSED?

  • Generally, the diagnosis is done based on a careful review of symptoms and medical history and through physical examination.
  • Gait analysis: It is a timed walk test in which the patient is watched as if he or she can walk about 10 meters.
  • Imaging tests: MRI or CT scan is done to verify the enlarged ventricles in the brain.
  • Neuropsychological test: It is done to assess if there is a loss of brain function.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid tests: There is a spinal tap and external lumbar drainage.
  • Cisternography is another test which is done to check the CSF absorption.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF NORMAL PRESSURE HYDROCEPHALUS?

It Includes:

  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Dementia
  • Obstructive hydrocephalus
  • Normal aging of the brain

NATURAL TREATMENT OF NORMAL PRESSURE HYDROCEPHALUS

Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a long term condition. The treatment involves the measures that enable the patient to cope with the problems like difficulty in walking, mood and behavior changes, poor concentration, speech problems, etc.

Planet Ayurveda offers a wonder treatment to manage the symptoms related to normal pressure hydrocephalus. These herbal formulations are 100% pure, naturally free from preservatives, chemicals, colors, yeast, fillers, etc. All these formulations strictly follow the principles of Ayurveda and are formulated by our MD Ayurveda experts.

Natural Remedies For Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Natural Remedies For Normal pressure hydrocephalus

1. Kanchnaar Guggul

This wonder and effective herbal formulation is formulated with pure and natural herbs like Kanchnaar, Shunthi, Amalaki, bibhitaki, guggul, etc. This combination of herbs removes the blockage and detoxifies the body. It also removes the toxins, clears the channels and maintains the body functions.

Dosage: 1 to 2 tablets twice or thrice daily after meals.

2. Brahmi Capsules

This wonderful product is formulated from the pure and standardized extract of Brahmi which is considered to be the most effective herb in treating conditions related to the brain. These capsules increase blood circulation in the brain and show effective results in improving short and long term memory loss. According to Ayurveda it has been used since ancient times to deal with brain-related problems and effectively rejuvenates the brain cells.

Dosage: 1 or 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. Mahashankh Vati

Mahashankh vati is a classical Ayurvedic formulation that has been used in Ayurveda since many ages for the treatment for digestion related issues. It is prepared from natural herbs like chitraka, pippali, danti and other ingredients like shudh tankan, shudhparad, yavkashar, and sarjakashar.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice or thrice daily after meals.

4. Punarnava Capsules

Punarnava capsules is a wonderful product from the house of Planet Ayurveda which is prepared from the standardized extract of punarnava. This herb treats urinary tract infections, fluid accumulation in the body such as pedal edema, and other related disorders. In this condition, it drains out the extra CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) from the brain cavities.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

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