Abstract

Master A, 8 months of age, born with normal head size, suddenly started his head enlarging, bloating like a balloon. The head occupied a very large disproportionate size and looked as if about to burst. Very pitiable facies and high pitched cries. Surgeons advised operation and insertion of a shunt with a number of complications anticipated.

The case responded very well with Homoeopathic treatment and got cured within a year.

Hydrocephalous

Hydrocephalus is an abnormal build up of the brain’s cerebrospinal fluid which is a clear fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord, providing a cushion, nutrients and carrying away waste.

This fluid is made in the ventricles of the brain. The fluid then flows through a canal-like pathway over the upper surface of the brain where it enters the veins arachnoid villi.

Although generally not hereditary, hydrocephalus is either present at birth (congenital) or a result of an injury or trauma to the brain (acquired).

Types of hydrocephalus

1. Non-communicating hydrocephalus- is caused by a blockage in the ventricular pathway through which the CSF flows.
2. Communicating hydrocephalus- is caused by the poor absorption of CSF when the pathways are not obstructed.
3. Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)- is the enlargement of the ventricles of the brain, without increased Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) pressure. In most instances, NPH causes dementia, difficulty walking and urinary incontinence, deficiencies in short term memory and a gradual loss in the think clearly.

Surgical treatment of hydrocephalus

The most common way is the surgical diversion of the excess fluid by placing a synthetic tube (shunt) into the ventricle.

Despite their success rate, shunts have potential problems. The most common complications are:

• Bacterial infection and
• Obstruction.

A procedure that may be an effective alternative to shunt placement is a Third Ventriculostomy which is a one-time procedure; unlike shunt surgeries which in most cases are numerous. A Third Ventriculostomy consists of creating a small hole, about one millimetre in diameter in the wall of the third ventricle. This allows the CSF to once again flow. A Third Ventriculostomy is not available for all people with hydrocephalus.

Problems associated with hydrocephalus

• Learning disabilities
• Memory deficits
• Psychological deficits
• Motor Skill disabilities
• Vision problems
• Hearing difficulties,
• Seizures, and
• Hormonal imbalances.
• Sensitivity to sound, pressure and bright lights may also be associated with the condition.

Because each case is individualized, generalizations in this category are difficult to make.

Symptoms of hydrocephalus

Regardless of the cause of hydrocephalus, increased intracranial pressure in the skull causes a common set of signs and symptoms that vary depending on the age and physical condition of the patient.

• In newborns or young infants, the head may enlarge or the fontanelle may bulge and expand due to the increased pressure. However before such dramatic head growth is apparent, prominent scalp veins, vomiting and irritability may be observed.

• In older children and adults with a developed and solidified cranium, the symptoms of hydrocephalus may include personality changes, headache, vomiting, lethargy, irritability, and a loss of interest in daily activities. Gait disturbance and disrupted coordination may occur.

Because increased pressure has a direct impact on the optic nerves, patients often experience vision problems. The excess pressure may also have a direct bearing on the hypothalamus that can alter growth and sexual development. Fluid and electrolyte imbalance may also occur.

Name Abhishek, 8 months of age, started with fever, seizures as in epilepsy, vomiting, drowsiness, dullness and stupor. Treated allopathically with antibiotics, recovered and started enlargement of head. With CT Scan, he was found to have normal pressure hydrocephalus, advised for shunting but refused by parents.

For the fear of consequences and expenditure of the surgery, Homoeopathy was adopted. Chief objective symptoms were-

1-    Large head

2-    Open fontanelle

3-    Bulging eyes

4-    Irritability

5-    Chilliness with desire to be covered

6-    Aversion to bath ? due to chilliness

7-    Weak and very thin legs

8-    Injury during nail cutting suppurated easily.

All the signs and symptoms were indicating portrait of Silicea. The point into my mind was also in favour of Silicea as he developed NPH after high fever which led to the obstruction in CSF flow due to ? scarring in pathways. Silicea has capability to dissolve these scars and adhesions very well.

He was given a dose of Silicea 10M on 28-07-2010 and kept on calc phos 6x two tablets twice daily for his weak and thin bones.

Within three months, he was tremendously improved and after a year, he is perfectly well. Miracle of Homoeopathy in so called surgical cases.

8 months of Age taking Silicea 10 m