{"id":2559,"date":"2019-04-09T15:20:14","date_gmt":"2019-04-09T09:50:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ayucliniko.com\/articles\/?p=2559"},"modified":"2019-04-09T15:20:16","modified_gmt":"2019-04-09T09:50:16","slug":"normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-nph","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ayucliniko.com\/articles\/normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-nph\/","title":{"rendered":"Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"hydrocephaly,\nabnormalcy,\nabnormality,normal-pressure<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

NPH or Normal pressure hydrocephalus<\/a> is an abnormal buildup of CSF or cerebrospinal fluid in the brain\u2019s ventricles or cavities. This leads to enlargement of ventricles that eventually disrupts and damages the brain tissues. Hydrocephalus occurs when the natural system for draining and absorbing extra CSF does not work properly. There could be little or no increase in Intracranial Pressure (ICP). It is called Normal Pressure because, despite the excess fluid, cerebrospinal fluid pressure stays normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ayurvedic Approach <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ayurveda defines a healthy person as the individual with a balanced body with a stage of Agni (digestive fire or metabolism), Doshas (physical energies), Dhatus (body tissues), and Malas (unwanted wastes). Individual’s health depends upon the happy soul, senses, and mind, what Ayurveda says!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018\u2018Samdosha sam dhatu sam agni shmalakriyah
Prasann atma indriya smanah swasthabhi diyate\u2019\u2019!!
(Reference: Sutrasthanam, Sushrut Samhita, 25-51) <\/strong>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aggravation of Vata and Kapha doshas or body energies is the cause of NPH. These doshas lead to impaired brain functioning due to the accumulation of toxins in the body. Herbal remedies for NPH play a very good role in the management of this condition and yes herbs serve a very good and supportive treatment to control the further aggravation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Epidemiology <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

NPH is a progressive condition. It is mostly seen in older people, mostly in 60s and 70s. Some people are also born with this condition. NPH may also occur after a head injury, bleeding around the brain, due to stroke, meningitis or due to a brain tumor. It may happen after brain surgery also.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Difficulty in walking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The patient has a tendency to bend forward and walk with legs wide apart.
There is leg weakness and unsteadiness while walking. The patient tends to fall suddenly, take shuffling steps and may experience difficulty in taking the first step as if the feet are stuck to the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decline in Mental Processes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As the thought process slows down, the patient shows reduced concentration, forgetfulness, slow decision making, withdrawal and being indifferent, change in mood and behavior.
This may interfere in day to day activities and is named as dementia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Loss of bladder control<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Loss of bladder control that means the patient is unable to hold urine. This appears in the later stage of the disease. The patient may experience frequent urination or urgency to urinate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Symptoms may Include<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Headache, nausea, and difficulty focusing eyes.
Some patients experience unintentional weight loss as there is a lack of appetite and more sleep duration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vomiting, irritability, fever, drowsiness, muscle spasms are some other less common symptoms of NPH.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diagnosis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n