What is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus?

This is an abnormal increase of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain's ventricles or cavities. It occurs if the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid throughout the brain and spinal cord is blocked in some way. Normal pressure hydrocephalus can occur in people of any age, but it is mostly occur in the elders.

Other name for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus is Hydrocephalus - Normal Pressure, NPH.

Causes of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus:

As yet, in most cases, the causes are unknown. However, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus can occur after following:
1. Head injury
2. Stroke
3. Bleeding around the brain
4. Meningitis (infection of a protective layer of tissue around the brain) or brain tumor.
It can happen after surgery on the brain. How these conditions lead to Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus is not clear.

Symptoms of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus:

The following symptoms are including with NPH:

• Progressive mental impairment and dementia - Memory loss, Apathy (indifference) and withdrawal, changes in behavior, difficulties with paying attention, judgment, or reasoning and speech problems etc.
• Problems with walking - Leg weakness, shuffling steps, unsteadiness, “Getting stuck” or “freezing” while walking, and sudden falls etc.
• Urinary symptoms - Inability to hold urine, inability to hold stool, or feces, urgency to urinate etc.
• Headache, nausea and difficulty focusing eyes etc can be related to increased pressure in the brain.

Diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus:

The diagnosis will probably include tests of patient’s mental status, such as answering questions and following simple directions. Neuropsychological testing may be performed to document your dementia symptoms. Following tests are included in diagnosing of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.

Neuropsychological testing - This can help give a more accurate diagnosis of NPH and thus can help in treatment planning.
Lab tests - CT scan, Cisternography and MRI of the head are the major lab tests for diagnosing of
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.

Treatment of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus:

There are no perfect treatment for this disorder, it is a long-term condition. However, many patients with the condition obtain substantial relief through surgical treatment. For those who are not candidates for surgery, treatment consists of measures to relieve mood and behavioral problems, cope with physical problems such as incontinence and walking difficulties, and maximize physical, mental, and social functioning. Regular follow-up care by a physician is important in order to identify subtle changes that might indicate problems with the shunt.
Surgical treatment of this disorder is more effective as medical treatment.