Category: Mental Health

Shaken Baby Syndrome Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Abstract

The term shaken baby refers to violent back-and-forth movements of the head by the carer, which can result in severe clinical results such as bleeding. This aggression may not result in external damage, but it has a significant impact on inside organs. Repeated acceleration and deceleration produced by shaking are also linked to brain damage. According to studies, a common activity that accompanies shaken infant syndrome is the prolonged wailing of a healthy baby. The cause, symptoms, and treatment of shaken baby syndrome are now discussed briefly.

Shaken baby syndrome
Introduction

Shaken baby syndrome is a type of mental illness that occurs when an infant or young child is violently shaken. When this happens, the nerve travels back to the skull, causing bleeding, bruising, and swelling. Shaken Baby Syndrome is known to cause long-term brain damage and even death.

Causes of Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken Baby Syndrome occurs when a parent shakes the baby out of anger or stress. Babies cannot support the weight of their heads because of weak neck muscles. This can cause bruising, swelling, and bleeding.

Symptoms of Shaken Baby Syndrome

  1. Drowsiness
  2. Poor eating
  3. Excessive irritability
  4. Vomiting
  5. Seizures
  6. Coma
  7. Paralysis
  8. Breathing problem
  9. Bluish or pale skin
  10. Thrive failure
  11. Lethargy
  12. Difficulty staying awake
  13. Head enlargement
  14. Trouble sucking
  15. Dilated pupil

Risk Factors of Shaken Baby Syndrome

  1. Stress
  2. Domestic violence
  3. Depression
  4. Alcohol abuse
  5. Unrealistic expectations of babies
  6. Single parenthood or young parenthood
  7. History of mistreatment of the child
  8. Unstable family situations

Complications of Shaken Baby Syndrome

  1. Irreversible brain damage
  2. Total or partial blindness
  3. Seizure disorders
  4. Cerebral palsy
  5. Intellectual disability
  6. Learning problems
  7. Developmental delays
  8. Behaviour issue

Physical Findings of Shaken Baby Syndrome

  1. Retinal haemorrhage
  2. Retinal haemorrhages
  3. Concussions
  4. Abdominal injuries
  5. Swelling of soft tissue
  6. Tense fontanel
  7. Lacerations
  8. Bruises occur on the abdomen, arms, or face.
  9. Bruises occur on the scalp and back.
  10. Head injury
  11. Abnormally low blood pressure
  12. Contusion

Diagnosis

  1. History
  2. X-rays
  3. CT scan
  4. MRI
  5. Optic fundus examination
  6. Drug screening
  7. Nuclear scan
  8. Routine blood sample

Ayurvedic Aspect of Shaken Baby Syndrome

In Ayurveda, the shaken baby syndrome is correlated with vitiated vata vyadhi. In Ayurveda, the brain or head is mentioned as the body part in which vitality resides. The brain is a production of kapha and rakta dhatu. All sensations and movements are derived from the brain, in which vata is involved. Prana vata is a type of vata dosha that is present in the whole body, commands the sense organ and brain, and is responsible for all types of reflexes, movements, and all vital functions.

Samprapti (Pathophysiology) of Shaken Baby Syndrome

Because of nidana (causes) like violently shaking the baby or a head injury, vata gets aggravated and causes degenerative changes in the nervous system that cause various disorders.

Symptoms of Vitiated Vata

  1. Body tremors
  2. Involuntary movement spectrum
  3. Confusion
  4. Altered higher mental functions
  5. Decrease in strength
  6. Decrease in the capacity of sense organs
  7. Delusion
  8. Delirium
  9. Insomnia

Treatment

Shaken baby syndrome is a serious condition. In Ayurveda, we can only
provide supportive care to slow the progression of the disease. There are many herbs that balance vata energy and improve intelligence. This drug is particularly good for brain function and general body function. There are some herbal remedies that are given by Planet Ayurveda, especially for this syndrome, that are described below.

Some Herbal Remedies for Shaken Baby Syndrome from Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a registered Ayurvedic company that formulates various supplements for the treatment of disease. They follow all the basic principles of Ayurveda, which are given in the ancient textbook Ayurvedic Samhita. The products manufactured by Planet Ayurveda are pure and free of any adulteration. These products are pure, gluten-free. And for shaken baby syndrome, Planet Ayurveda has created various supplements that are beneficial.

Products List

  1. Kumar Kalyan Ras
  2. Neuroplan Syrup
  3. Arvindasava
  4. Kumar Kalyan Ras

Herbal Remedies for Shaken Baby SyndromeHerbal Remedies for Shaken Baby Syndrome

Products Description

1. Kumar Kalyan Ras

Kumar kalyan ras is a polyherbal tablet that is formulated by Planet Ayurveda by using Aloe vera juice extract (Kumari rasa), Shuddha parada (Purified mercury), Mukta bhasma (Pearl calx), Swarna bhasma (Gold calx), Abhrak bhasma (Mica calx), Loha bhasma (Iron calx), Swarna Bhasma (Gold calx), and Makshika bhasma (formulation of iron and copper ore). Aloe vera is bitter, cold, unctuous, and heavy. It reduces all three doshas according to their action on the human body. It is an accumulation-breaking herb that alleviates ophthalmic disease. This remedy helps in the treatment of fever in children.

Dosage: after meals, 1 tablet twice daily.

2. Neuroplan Syrup

It is a polyherbal syrup that is formulated by Planet Ayurveda using Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Pippali (Piper longum), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), and other ingredients. This syrup is effective for the brain and nervous system. It is helpful in promoting energy and the health of the brain and is useful in preventing nerve damage. It enhances the strength and stamina of the body. Garlic helps in paralysis, whereas its daily consumption in the diet reduces body toxins besides controlling the lipid profile.

Dosage: after meals, 2 teaspoons twice daily.

3. Arvindasav

It is a polyherbal syrup that is formulated by Planet Ayurveda using Kamal Phool (Nelumbium speciosum), Khus (Vetiveria zizanioides), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus), Shahad (Honey), Pitta papda (Fumaria parviflora), water, and some other ingredients. It is bitter, pungent, and astringent in taste and light, dry, and cold in effect. It pacifies vata and kapha. The decoction of nagarmotha and pitpapra is the most commonly used for excessive thirst arising from fever. Honey is rich in energy. Its natural sugar serves as fuel for muscle activity and provides an instant source of energy.

Dosage: after meals, 2 teaspoons twice daily.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

Conclusion

The word shaken baby is characterised by violent back-and-forth throws of the head by the caretaker that can lead to severe clinical outcomes like haemorrhage. Shaken baby syndrome is a type of mental illness that occurs when an infant or young child is violently shaken. When this happens, the nerve travels back to the skull, causing bleeding, bruising, and swelling. Shaken Baby Syndrome is known to cause long-term brain damage and even death. In Ayurveda, the shaken baby syndrome is correlated with vitiated vata vyadhi. Because of nidana (causes) like violently shaking the baby or a head injury, vata gets aggravated and causes degenerative changes in the nervous system that cause various disorders. For ayurvedic treatment, Planet Ayurveda provides some herbal remedies that are formulated by their practitioners and give effective results without causing any side effects.

Encephalomalacia Causes, Symptoms and Herbal Treatment

Encephalomalacia

Abstract

The softening and loss of brain tissue due to injuries such as craniocerebral trauma, cerebral ischemia, or any other trauma to the brain affects the neurons in the brain that are in the white and grey parts of the brain. It also includes the various parts of the brain such as the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, and temporal lobe. It affects the sensory and motor functions of the body. If proper treatment is not given to the patient it affects several parts of the brain. Surgery is done in severe cases.

 Encephalomalacia

INTRODUCTION

Due to any trauma or disease, the brain tissue softens. The disease starts in one part of the brain and later affects a different part of the brain. It is difficult to treat because brain cells do not regenerate in the brain. As a result, it causes the dysfunction of the body system. It can occur in all age groups but when it is diagnosed in infants it can be fatal. Encephalomacia symptoms vary from one another as it depends on which brain part is affected by injury. This condition is very serious and requires immediate treatment If left untreated it leads to coma, seizures, and even death.

CAUSES

Some of the causes of encephalopathy are

  1. Infection
  2. Ischemia (decreased blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain)
  3. Cerebral stroke due to obstruction in blood supply
  4. Scar tissue due to scarring of tissue the tissue contract itself and cause encephalopathy
  5. Haemorrhage
  6. Abnormal collections of blood in the brain

TYPES OF ENCEPHALOMALACIA

There are three types of encephalomalacia which are described as follows

Red softening

The brain tissue is red in colour because blood is present in this area. It is seen in hemorrhagic stroke patients.

White softening

The brain tissue is white in color due to the absence of blood in this area. Due to the absence of blood supply in this area, the area seems white or yellowish in appearance. It indicates the damage to brain cells.

Yellow softening

Due to the formation of plaques in arteries of the brain the brain tissue appears yellow in colour. It is commonly seen in trauma patients.

SYMPTOMS

  1. Difficulty in speaking
  2. Difficulty in swallowing
  3. Difficulty in sleeping
  4. Difficulty in movement
  5. Difficulty in coordination
  6. Muscle weakness
  7. Change in the behaviour
  8. Mood swings due to frontal lobe affected
  9. Difficulty in focus
  10. Involuntary movements of the eye
  11. Difficulty in vision may be permanent or temporary
  12. Tremors
  13. Walking in sleep
  14.  Severe headache
  15. Vertigo
  16. Coma
  17. Memory loss occurs when the frontal lobe is affected

DIAGNOSIS

Physical examinations are done by the physician. Some tests done for encephalomalacia are

  1. Blood test
  2. Urine test
  3. Spinal fluid test
  4. EEG (Electroencephalography) to measure the electrical activity of the brain
  5. CT (Computerised tomography) scan to see the volume loss of fluid, soft tissue of the brain.
  6. MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) to produce an internal picture of the brain

TREATMENT

  1. Take fibre rich diet
  2. Avoid improper diet and improper activities
  3. Stem cell therapy
  4. In severe cases remove the damaged part of the tissue

AYURVEDA ASPECT FOR ENCEPHALOMALACIA

In ayurveda, it is due to the vitiation of tridosha that is vata, pitta, and kapha. It is considered under Abhighataj rog. As Acharya Vagbhat explained उपशीर्षक rog in Kaumarbhritya under अ.ह.२३।२१. Due to causative factors the vata dosha vitates and and stays in Kapal pradesh (head) and causes the shopha (edema) in Shiro pradesh (head). As it stays in the head, the involvement of blood and there is a change in swelling, and pain in the head even the color of the skin affected area.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR ENCEPHALOMALACIA BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda provides a mixture of herbal medicines which are effective and safe. The products offered by Planet Ayurveda are 100% pure, easy to use, and free from preservatives, chemicals, fillers, or adulterants. The herbal formulations offered by Planet Ayurveda for encephalomalacia are

Products list

  1. Gotu Kola Capsules
  2. Brahmi Capsules
  3. Ashwagandhaghan Vati
  4. Curcumin 95% Capsules
  5. Telo-Extension
  6. Swarn Vasant Malti Ras

Herbal Remedies for Encephalomalacia

Buy Now: Herbal Remedies for Encephalomalacia

Product Description for Encephalomalacia

1. GOTU KOLA CAPSULES

It is made from the extraction of a single herb Gotu kola (Centella asiatica). Due to tikta rasa, it is useful to pacify kapha and pitta dosha. As the body needs strength due to injury to the head it provides strength and balance proper functioning of the body. As skin discolours due to injury it corrects the complexion of skin. As nerves are affected due to injury they maintain the neurological functions and correct nerve impulse functions.

Dosage– 2 capsules twice daily, with plain water, after meals.

2. BRAHMI CAPSULES

It is made up of single drug extraction of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). Brahmi is helpful in memory loss. As brain tissue is affected it acts as a brain tonic it improves normal brain activity and reduces the stiffness and pain of the affected area. As patient behaviour changes frequently, it is helpful in enhancing the mood. It nourishes the blood cells and coordinates the nervous system, increasing the brain functions.

Dosage– 2 capsules twice daily, with plain water, after meals.

3. ASHWAGANDHAGHAN VATI

It is a single herb formulation with the extraction of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).  As nerves are affected it maintains neurological health and maintains the immune system of the body. It reduces stress and calms the mind. Reduces the inflammation of the affected area. As memory loss is seen in patients it improves memory power.

Dosage– 2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water.

4. CURCUMIN 95% CAPSULES

It is an herbal formulation prepared by standardised extraction of Haridra (Curcuma longa 95%).  It reduces the pain, inflammation, numbness, and stiffness of the brain. It removes the toxins from the body and supports the immune system. It prevents inflammation of the brain that prevents long-term side effects in the brain.

Dosage– 1 capsule twice daily, with plain water, after meals.

5. TELO-EXTENSION

Telo extension is a mixture of herbs that contain Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Grapeseed (Vitis vinifera), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), Pine Bark (Pinus longifolia) and other herbs. It nourishes the body cells and maintains healthy functioning of the body. It pacifies all three doshas and calms the mind. It boosts memory function and reduces stress and anxiety resulting in an improvement in the immune functions of the body.

Dosage– 2 capsules twice daily.

6. SWARN VASANT MALTI RAS

It consists mixture of herbs like Kali Maricha (Piper nigrum), Swarna bhasma (Gold calx), Shuddha hingula (An ore of mercury and sulphur), Kharpara (Rasaka), Mukta bhasma (calx of pearl) and many other herbs. It pacifies the vata and kapha dosha. It helps in digestion and respiratory problems. It is helpful in reducing inflammation and preventing brain disorders. It is useful in the unuseful behaviour of patients and different mood disorders. As swarna bhasma contains Rasayan and balances the vata dosha it is helpful in increasing memory.

Dosage– 1 tablet twice daily with honey.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

CONCLUSION

As we studied in this article encephalomalacia is a life-threatening condition that causes permanent brain damage. It is more fatal in infants. The disease severity depends on the part or tissue damage in the brain.  If this condition is left untreated it leads to coma, seizures, or even death. As Acharya Vagbhat explained उपशीर्षक rog in Kaumarbhritya under अ.ह.२३।२१. Due to vitiation of vata dosha, it stays in the head and causes edema of the head. In Planet Ayurveda, some herbal remedies are provided to cure encephalomalacia.