Zincum met./ Arsenicum alb. in a Hydrocephalus- case

A CASE OF HYDROCEPHALUS

A six month old, only child of the parents is suffering from hydrocephalus and otorrhoea. He was under the treatment of a Neurophysician and ENT specialist. Discharge through ear stopped completely. In spite of the best efforts by the neurophysician, the size of the head was increasing and downward deviation of eyes, a slight appearance of seizure was there.


PAST HISTORY- Recurrent cold and cough immediately after birth.
FAMILY HISTORY-Sister died of Hydrocephalus at the age of five.
INVESTIGATION BEFORE TREATMENT- CAT SCAN.
Both lateral, third and fourth ventricles are dilated. Rest of the cerebral parenchyma shows normal attenuation pattern. Basal ganglia and thalami are normal No midline shift is seen. Cerebellum is normal. Brain stem is normal. Basal cisterns and sylvian fissures are normal. Cortical sulci are normal. Calvarium is intact.


IMPRESSION-CAT Scan feature suggestive of –HYDROCEPHALUS.
ADV: CSF STUDY


Parents wanted to take the expert opinion of a neurosurgeon.
SURGICAL PLACEMENT OF VENTRICULAR SHUNT WAS ADVISED.
Childs mother was aware of the possible complications as she discovered from the attendants of the children who have undergone shunting. She discovered that even after shunting there was risk of over or under draining and to both cognitive and physical development.
In the mean time the child had a high fever and was given allopathic drugs. The fever was gone, but the child became unconscious. Homoeopathy was given a chance!


HOMOEOPATHY IN THE NEURO SURGERYWARD:
Patient became completely unconscious.
Head enlarged, mild swelling on face.
Eyes half closed and squinting.
Lying on back and sliding on bed.
Trembling and twitching all over the body required to be held.
Pulse intermittent and uncountable.
Urine scanty.
Extremities cold to touch.


Zincum met 200c, single dose in drops sublingually was administered.
Otorrhoea started; with in half an hour the child turned down his eyes and cried as if hungry.
Child was given milk through a tube; he swallowed 150 ml of milk.
First nourishment after days of unconsciousness.
Patient was conscious, face expression better.
Swelling on face and head remained the same.
Urine –scanty.
Trembling all over body was not at all there, but fidgety of feet persisted.
Senior neurosurgeons, Neuro physician, Junior resident doctors, patient’s attendant, nursing staff, were all watching the scientific and wonderful action of the homoeopathic medicine.


FOUR DAYS Later;
Zincum met 200c at bed time repeated.
Patient’s attendant felt that the child was out of danger, but 7 days later restlessness started.
Face bloated, head enlarged.
Thirsty- withdraws mouth from breast and sips water.
Urine scanty.
Painless offensive stool Patient was chilly in character.


ARSENIC ALBUM 200c weekly at bed time was prescribed.
Change of medicine is required with changing symptoms.
Swelling over face disappeared and size of head reduced.
Thirst -normal.
Urine –better.
Restlessness was very much reduced.


ARS ALB 200c weekly at bed time repeated for 2 months.
CHILD DID NOT RETURN TO CLINIC:
In the mean time, the patient developed a severe cold and coughs and was on allopathic drugs to get quick relief.
BACILLINUM 200c, in a single dose was prescribed on return.
INVESTIGATION AFTER TREATMENT:
POSTERIOR FOSSA
The 4Th ventricle is normal in size, shape and location. The region of brain stem and cerebral hemispheres are normal. Peri mesencephalic cisterns are normal.
SUPRATENTORIAL COMPARTMENT
Cerebral parenchyma reveals normal attenuation value. Lateral ventricles are prominent with septum in midline. Basal cisterns, sylvian fissures and sulci are normal.
OPINION - C.T. SCAN OF THE BRAIN WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS.


DISCUSSION:
Homoeopathy can easily control the emergency conditions, if and only if they have a very good knowledge of practical application of homoeopathic material medica and its principles.


Dr. Pawan Pareek,
Pareek Homeopathic Clinic,
Moti Katra, - Agra - (UP) INDIA
drpawanpareek@rediffmail.com