Normal pressure hydrocephalus

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a type of hydrocephalus. NPH occurs when cerebrospinal fluid in your brain doesn’t drain properly out of the ventricles. The ventricles expand and put pressure on the brain, which can cause problems with key neurological functions.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus symptoms

NPH occurs most often in older adults, or as the result of a traumatic injury or illness. Its negative effect on cognition and movement often mimics other conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. Without the right diagnosis, these symptoms of normal pressure hydrocephalus can mistakenly be attributed to the aging process:

• Diminished memory, problem-solving and other cognitive processes
• Difficulty walking, with balance or other movement problems
• Incontinence or loss of bowel control

Diagnosing normal pressure hydrocephalus

Identifying the source of your symptoms as early as possible will give you the best chance of an optimal recovery. To make a NPH diagnosis, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and may recommend a variety of tests, including:

• An MRI
• A CT scan
• Lumbar puncture (also known as a spinal tap)
• Intracranial pressure monitoring
• A variety of neurological and psychological tests to rule out other conditions

Normal pressure hydrocephalus treatment options

If you are diagnosed with NPH, you and your neurological team will decide on a treatment tailored to your needs. In most cases, NPH treatment requires a shunt to be surgically placed in your brain to drain the excess cerebrospinal fluid.