Normal pressure hydrocephalus

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) is a type of hydrocephalus that often occurs in older adults. The condition is characterized by the buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain's ventricles, which can cause a variety of symptoms.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus versus atrophy

Symptoms

The classic symptoms of NPH include problems with walking, urinary incontinence, and mild dementia. These symptoms may not occur all at once, and their onset is often gradual.

Gait Disturbance

The most common symptom of NPH is difficulty walking. This is often described as a shuffling walk with short steps, similar to Parkinson's disease. The person may have trouble starting to walk and may also have difficulty turning.

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is another common symptom of NPH. This may initially appear as an increased urgency to urinate, but can progress to complete loss of bladder control.

Dementia

Mild dementia is the third classic symptom of NPH. This can include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and changes in personality or behavior.

Causes

The exact cause of NPH is unknown. However, it is often associated with conditions that can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, such as subarachnoid hemorrhage, meningitis, or head trauma.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of NPH involves a clinical evaluation, imaging tests, and sometimes a lumbar puncture. The MRI or CT scan can show enlargement of the ventricles in the brain, which is characteristic of NPH.

Treatment

Treatment for NPH typically involves surgically implanting a shunt in the brain to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid. This can help to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

See Also

• Hydrocephalus
• Dementia
• Urinary incontinence
• Gait disturbance

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