Hydrocephalus is popularly called dropsy of the brain. This is a very terrible and serious disease that requires immediate intervention.
Hydrocephalus
What kind of disease is this and why is it dangerous?
Hydrocephalus is characterized by a large, excess accumulation of fluid in the brain cavity. This disease is divided into 2 types:
- congenital;
- acquired.
Hydrocephalus is characterized by a large, excess accumulation of fluid in the brain cavity
Let's start with congenital. It develops from the very birth of a person who will certainly have problems with speech, mental disorders, problems with visual impairment, and headaches.
Congenital hydrocephalus
Acquired hydrocephalus can occur due to brain injury that a person may have suffered without being careful.
Symptoms
To understand that a disease has settled in your body, you need to know its symptoms.
Firstly, it is a severe headache of various types: it can be pulsating, increase from irritants, bright light, TV screen, temperature and occurs very often.
Secondly, nausea appears, and thirdly, an increase in intracranial pressure.
In order to somehow help yourself, you need to take glycerin or similar drugs to lower your blood pressure. If you suddenly notice these symptoms, immediately consult a doctor so that treatment can be received in a timely manner.
These are the main symptoms, but there are others that appear at a later stage, for example, speech inhibition, concentration and concentration begin to be absent, convulsions may appear, breathing is impaired, and most importantly, the size of the head increases.
Important! If you receive a head injury, do not wait for symptoms, but immediately consult a doctor and get examined, this will prevent the appearance and development of the disease.
After consulting a doctor, treatment begins by removing excess fluid to reduce intracranial pressure. In the future, surgical intervention is possible. After the operation, it is necessary to be observed by a neurologist.
Symptoms of hydrocephalus
Symptoms of hydrocephalus appear as the disease progresses and the pressure of the accumulated cerebrospinal fluid increases. The first symptoms include severe headaches, especially in the morning after waking up, accompanied by attacks of nausea and vomiting. There is also a feeling of pressure from the inside on the eyeballs, a burning sensation in the eyes.
As hydrocephalus develops, the patient develops a state of constant drowsiness. This serves as a bad signal and indicates the progression of the disease. In the absence of treatment, the patient experiences rapid depression of consciousness. In some cases, the person may fall into a coma.
The most important thing if your health worsens is to seek medical help in a timely manner. At the Yusupov Hospital, anyone can undergo an examination. All procedures are performed using modern medical equipment. This allows you to obtain the most informative and reliable results.
Neurologists at the Yusupov Hospital, based on the results of their research, develop an individual treatment program for each patient. If necessary, the patient is treated in a hospital setting; if the situation is not so severe, then therapy can be carried out at home, strictly following all the doctor’s recommendations.
The wards of the Yusupov Hospital are well equipped with modern equipment and furniture. The atmosphere here is not reminiscent of a hospital, which makes the patient’s stay during treatment as comfortable as possible.
If the patient does not consult a doctor in a timely manner, the disease begins to progress. A person experiences a change in voice and problems with swallowing. Normal sleep is also disrupted: the patient either suffers from insomnia or constantly wants to sleep.
Also, the development of the disease can lead to a constant feeling of fatigue. Then the patient develops disturbances in motor coordination. He has difficulty maintaining balance when walking and then just when standing.
There is a frequent urge to urinate, especially at night. Then the body demands immediate immediate emptying of the bladder. In the most advanced cases, a person completely loses the ability to control the process of urination; it becomes spontaneous.
Traditional methods of treatment
Traditional medicine goes well with established healing methods, so herbal treatment has a positive effect. A large number of traditional medicine recipes are presented that help with illness.
cornflower
Cornflower helps remove excess fluid from the body. The second irreplaceable property is the bactericidal effect. The decoction has proven to be a very effective method of combating the disease. To prepare the drink yourself you should:
- pour two small spoons of dried flowers into a cup of hot water;
- leave to infuse and wait until the product has cooled completely;
- filter the medicine through gauze.
The infused drink is consumed in portions. The patient should drink 50 ml 3 times a day 15 minutes before meals.
Melissa
Melissa has been used in medicine for many years, as the plant is characterized by soothing, antiviral and other effects. For hydrocephalus, the herb is indispensable because it has a good effect on the nervous system. The herb has a sedative effect, which helps relieve headaches. It is possible to prepare the tincture at home. For this:
- take 15 g of plant leaves;
- add a cup of boiling water;
- leave the composition to infuse until it has completely cooled.
Use the product 2-3 times a day, one large spoon. But you can also prepare an alcohol tincture according to this recipe:
- take 25 g of dried leaves;
- pour a cup of alcohol;
- Infuse the product for two weeks in a dark place.
Take the healing drink 15 drops three times a day.
Birch
An infusion of leaves and buds is used for pathology caused by impaired kidney function. To achieve maximum results, collect the buds until they are completely swollen. To receive a healing remedy:
- pour a glass of dried buds and leaves with 0.5 liters of alcohol;
- leave the composition for 20 days;
- After this time, filter.
For treatment, half a small spoon is diluted with a tablespoon of boiled water and taken three times a day.
It is possible to prepare an infusion without adding alcohol. Pour boiling water over the dried raw materials and wait 60 minutes. Drink 3-4 times a day before meals.
Swamp calamus
The plant helps to correct the functioning of the urinary system and contributes to the overall improvement of the patient's condition. To prepare the product you will need:
- pour 50 g of plant roots into a container;
- peel the skin;
- fill them with 500 ml of alcohol;
- leave to infuse.
In case of pathology, use 1 small spoon 3 times a day half an hour before eating. If the alcoholic composition is not suitable, then there is another effective recipe. To obtain the healing composition you should:
- take 15 g of calamus roots;
- pour 0.6 liters of boiling water;
- heat the product over low heat for a third of an hour.
Take the medicine according to the same regimen as in the previous case.
Astragalus
Doctors recommend using astragalus in the treatment of hydrocephalus. The plant belongs to the legume family. The decoction recipe is easy to prepare:
- take a large spoon of astragalus herb;
- add 0.25 liters of boiling water;
- leave the medicine to infuse for 3 hours in a dark place.
Use the healing tincture three times a day, 1 large spoon, half an hour before meals.
If you have suffered a head injury, you do not need to wait for symptoms to appear. It is important to immediately contact a specialist and undergo an examination. This will help prevent the onset and progression of the disease, as traditional medicine will be used.
Black elderberry
Black elderberry is used to treat pathology at the first stage. The remedy is prepared from the root of the plant. The cooking recipe is as follows:
- take 50 g of black elderberry root;
- add 0.5 l of alcohol;
- leave to infuse for a week.
It is necessary to use the composition three times a day, 25 drops.
Radish
There are several recipes for using radish in relation to pathology. This is the simplest, but very effective method of combating the disease. Radish is characterized by a large number of beneficial properties that help fight various pathologies. It helps remove heavy metals from the body and normalizes the functioning of the urinary system. Radish juice is prepared according to this recipe:
- remove the skin from the fruit of the vegetable;
- squeeze out the juice;
- add a little honey.
Drink the drink in small sips three times in 24 hours. Every day, increase the dosage so that on the 14th day of therapy the patient drinks up to two cups.
Hydrocephalus of the brain in an adult is treated with vegetables and garlic. To obtain a healing composition, squeeze the juice from two components. Mix them in a ratio of 1 to 1. There is no need to infuse the medicine, it must be taken freshly prepared. Drink 1 small spoon up to three times a day. It is necessary to be treated for at least 20 days to get a good result.
Onion
The day before the juice is squeezed out of the onion, it will need to be cut into half rings and sprinkled with granulated sugar. After 24 hours, squeeze out the juice and take 2 large spoons. It is recommended to conduct the session in the morning on an empty stomach.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin juice is often used for hydrocephalus. This method will help remove excess fluid from the body. Pumpkin is an indispensable vegetable for the body, which is a unique natural antiseptic, corrects the functioning of the central nervous system and cleanses all systems.
To obtain healing juice, you will need a fresh pumpkin, freed from the skin, seeds and all the insides. Cut the product into small cubes and beat with a blender. You can simply grate the pumpkin on a fine grater and squeeze the pulp through a thin cloth. Prepare the juice in small portions and store in the refrigerator for no more than 48 hours.
If you suspect hydrocephalus, you should absolutely not begin spontaneous treatment, even using harmless traditional medicine. This can have a bad effect on your health and only worsen the course of the pathology.
Buckthorn berry
To obtain a healing decoction from the berry, you will need to first dry it and grind it to a powder state. This is what will be taken in the treatment of hydrocephalus. You need to consume 0.5 g of powder per day, but no more than 3 times in 24 hours.
In addition to berries, you can also use its bark. You will need to brew it with boiling water in advance and consume it 2-3 times per 24 hours, one large spoon at a time. It is possible to purchase a ready-made plant extract at the pharmacy, which is characterized by an identical effect. For therapy, it is enough to use 25-35 drops every day.
Horseradish
An unexpected but effective method of treating hydrocephalus. Pre-prepared and peeled horseradish will need to be ground into a paste. Mix 150 g of the composition with lemon juice. To prepare it you will need three fruits. Mix the composition very well. Take the resulting product twice a day on an empty stomach. During therapy, it is necessary to limit yourself from drinking liquid and reduce the amount of salt consumed.
Nettle
Folk remedies for atrophic hydrocephalus can also have a positive effect. One such remedy is nettle. It is very effective to drink a drink obtained from nettle roots. To do this, grate the root and pour a cup of boiling water over it. Leave the composition to infuse for a couple of hours, then drink it as tea twice a day.
Attention! If the disease occurs with difficulty urinating, then you should use an infusion of meadow clover. To obtain the product, both dry and fresh plant heads are used. They are filled with wine and left for 14 days. Shake the healing composition thoroughly before use.
Hydrocephalus is a dangerous disease, so any treatment methods should not be neglected. Grandmother's methods will be an excellent addition to an integrated approach. When using any traditional medicine recipes, you will need to consult a specialist.
Traditional medicine becomes an excellent assistant, but you should also not forget about lifestyle. It is extremely important to follow the diet prescribed by your doctor. Some foods contain large amounts of nutrients and minerals that the brain needs. Products that have a diuretic effect will become indispensable.
Hydrocephalus of the brain - treatment at different stages
Treatment of hydrocephalus in the early stages can be carried out with medication. The clinically advanced form of the disease requires surgical intervention.
At the Yusupov Hospital, acute hydrocephalus that threatens the patient’s life is treated by craniotomy and external drainage to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid. For chronic hydrocephalus, a liquor shunt operation is performed. We are talking about removing excess fluid through a complex system of catheters and valves into other natural cavities of the body.
At the Yusupov Hospital, such operations are performed by highly qualified neurosurgeons. It is possible to achieve the patient’s recovery and return to normal social life.
Folk remedies and medicinal plants used in the treatment of headaches.
7. Black elderberry (flowers)
Infusion; 1 tbsp. spoon of raw materials per 1 cup of boiling water, leave for 20 minutes, strain. Take 0.25 cups 3-4 times a day 15 minutes before meals.
8. Valerian officinalis (roots)
Infusion: 1 tbsp. spoon of raw materials per 1 glass of cold boiled water, leave for 6-8 hours, strain. Take 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day.
Valerian can also be taken in the form of a decoction. The effectiveness of valerian appears to be higher with systematic, long-term use.
9. Sparrow officinalis (herb)
Infusion: 1 tbsp. spoon of raw materials per 1 cup of boiling water, leave for 2 hours, strain. Take 0.25 cups 3-4 times a day.
10. Elecampane tall (roots)
Infusion: 1 tbsp. spoon of raw materials per 1 glass of cold boiled water, leave for 10 hours, strain. Take 0.25 cups 4 times a day half an hour before meals.
11. Oregano (herb)
Infusion: 1 tbsp.
spoon of raw materials in 0.5 liters of boiling water, leave, covered, 10 minutes, strain. Take 0.5-4 glasses 2-3 times a day. Pregnant women should not take oregano infusion.
12. St. John's wort (herb)
Decoction: 1 tbsp. spoon of raw material in 1 glass of water, boil for 15 minutes, cool, strain. Take 0.25 cups 3 times a day.
13. Prince Siberian (leaves)
Decoction: 1 tbsp. spoon of raw material in 1 glass of water, boil for 15 minutes, cool, strain. Take 3 times a day.
14. Linden cordifolia (flowers)
Infusion: 1 tbsp. spoon of raw materials per 1 cup of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, strain. Drink like tea.
15. Coltsfoot (leaves)
Infusion: 1 tbsp. spoon of raw materials per 1 cup of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, strain. Take 1 tbsp. spoon 4-6 times a day an hour before meals.
16. Melissa officinalis (herb)
Infusion: 1 tbsp. spoon of raw materials per 1 cup of boiling water, leave, covered, 30 minutes, strain. Take 3 times a day.
17. Peppermint (herb)
Decoction: 1 teaspoon of raw material per 1 glass of water, boil over low heat for 15 minutes (with frequent stirring), cool for 45 minutes, strain. Take warm, 0.3-0.5 cups 1-3 times a day, 15 minutes before meals.
18. Wormwood (leaves)
Infusion: 1 teaspoon of raw material per 1 glass of boiling water, leave for 3-4 hours. Drink 0.3 glasses 3 times a day.
19. Primrose (roots, stems, leaves)
Infusion: 1 teaspoon of raw material per 1 glass of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, strain.
Take 0.5 cups 2 times a day. The infusion has a mild hypnotic effect and helps with excessive excitement.
20. Opened lumbago (grass)
Infusion: 2 teaspoons of raw material per glass of cold boiled water, leave for 24 hours. Take 0.25 cups 4 times a day, cold.
21. Common thyme (leaves and flowers)
Infusion: 1 tbsp. spoon of raw materials per 1 cup of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, strain. Take hot 3 times a day.
22. Dill (seeds)
Infusion: 1 tbsp. spoon of raw materials per 1.5 cups of boiling water, insisted! 30 minutes, strain. Take 0.3 cups 4 times a day.
Traditional recipes for the treatment and relief of headaches.
1. For headaches from mental fatigue, it is useful to take a warm bath or at least immerse your feet up to the ankles in hot water for 10-15 minutes. It is also good to drink a glass of hot peppermint infusion.
2. For colds and runny nose with headache, lubricate the forehead, temples, behind the ears, and the back of the head with menthol oil. This is good for relieving headaches at the onset of the disease.
3. For severe headaches, smear the forehead and temples with grated lemon pulp and peel or apply lemon circles to the temples, which are not removed until the headache passes.
4. During a migraine attack, painkillers and sleeping pills are recommended. Some people find hot foot baths, sometimes hot compresses on the head, squeezing the head tightly, and hot drinks helpful. It is advisable to cleanse the intestines.
5. Massage the head, starting from the forehead and moving both hands to the back of the head.
6. Inhale a mixture of equal parts of camphor alcohol and ammonia.
7. Chronic pain of nervous origin indicates extreme general nervousness of the patient. He needs rest, peace, and restoratives.
9. Applying a mixture of sour dough, soap, rue and vinegar will also help.
10. For periodic pain in the back of the head, it is recommended to tilt your head down and lift it up 2-3 times, turn to the left and right shoulder in turn 2-3 times, then, relaxing all the ligaments of the neck, make a circular movement with your head in one direction or the other side. Perform this exercise several times in a row, and then, if the pain does not calm down, repeat after a while.
Chronic headaches will help you recover from this illness in combination with medications prescribed by your doctor. Headache is often the cause of dizziness. Get to know the symptoms, prevention and read about the most common diseases.
Hydrocephalus is a rare disease that occurs due to the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. Hydrocephalus of the brain, as a rule, is accompanied by various neuralgic diseases, which can be congenital or acquired. The clinical picture is an increase in intracranial pressure, which manifests itself in the form of increased headaches, nausea, and increased eye pressure.
The manifestation of the disease affects all structures of the brain, namely the vestibular apparatus, mental disorders, and seizures. To diagnose the disease, it is necessary to conduct an X-ray of the skull, fundus examination, echo-EG, MRI or CT scan of the brain. In some cases, surgery is performed to correct abnormalities in brain development. As a result of the intervention, the area of disturbance in the liquor circulation inside the skull is removed. This manipulation will allow for the outflow of fluid from the skull.
Drugs for hydrocephalus in adults
Drug treatment of hydrocephalus in adults is carried out using the following drugs:
- reducing intracranial pressure and promoting the removal of excess fluid. Such drugs include Diacarb, Mannitol and Mannitol in combination with Lasix and Furosemide. In this case, the patient must be prescribed the drug “Asparkam”, which corrects the level of potassium in the body.
- improving nutrition of brain tissue. This group includes Cavinton, Gliatilin, Cortexin, Choline, Actovegin, Semax, etc.
The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the easier it will be to cope with it. At the early stage of hydrocephalus, treatment can be limited to a course of medications. If you do not seek medical help in a timely manner, surgery may be necessary.
Be attentive to your health and do not be afraid to seek advice from doctors. You can make an appointment for an examination at the Yusupov Hospital by calling the clinic.
Author
Elena Mikhailovna Bunina
Neurologist, vegetarian, psychotherapist, doctor of the highest category
General advice for patients with cerebral hydrocephalus
If you have been diagnosed with hydrocephalus of the brain, traditional medicine can be a good help in overcoming the disease. But don't forget about your general lifestyle.
Persons affected by this disease are recommended to eat regular plant foods: more cabbage, cucumbers, onions, as well as lemon, parsley, pumpkin, honey, some types of cheese, more vital vitamins and nutrients.
To reduce swelling, try not to consume salt and foods containing it. In addition, it is necessary to follow a special diet that maintains the required amount of vitamins and proteins in the patient’s body. As the tumor progresses, start consuming foods that contain diuretics, so-called diuretics (watermelon, celery, black currant).
