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Normal pressure hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus - occult; Hydrocephalus - idiopathic; Hydrocephalus - adult; Hydrocephalus - communicating; Dementia - hydrocephalus; NPH

 

Hydrocephalus is a buildup of spinal fluid inside the fluid chambers of the brain. Hydrocephalus means "water on the brain."

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a rise in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain that affects brain function. However, the pressure of the fluid is usually normal.

Causes

 

There is no known cause for NPH. But the chance of developing NPH is high in someone who has had any of the following:

  • Bleeding from a blood vessel or aneurysm in the brain ( subarachnoid hemorrhage )
  • Certain head injuries
  • Meningitis or similar infections
  • Surgery on the brain ( craniotomy )

As CSF builds up in the brain, the fluid-filled chambers (ventricles) of the brain swell. This causes pressure on brain tissue. This can damage or destroy parts of the brain.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms of NPH often begin slowly. There are 3 main symptoms of NPH:

  • Changes in the way a person walks: difficulty when beginning to walk (gait apraxia), feel as if they are stuck to the ground (magnetic gait)
  • Slowing of mental function: forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention, apathy or no mood
  • Problems controlling urine ( urinary incontinence ), and sometimes controlling stools ( bowel incontinence )

Diagnosis of NPH can be made if any of the above symptoms occur and NPH is suspected and testing is done.

 

Exams and Tests

 

The doctor will perform a physical examination and ask about the symptoms. If you have NPH, the doctor will likely find that your walking (gait) is not normal. You may also have memory problems.

Tests that may be done include:

  • Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) with careful testing of walking before and right after the spinal tap
  • Head CT scan or MRI of the head

 

Treatment

 

Treatment for NPH is usually surgery to place a tube called a shunt that routes the excess CSF out of the brain ventricles. This is called a ventricoperitoneal shunt .

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Without treatment, symptoms often get worse and could lead to death.

Surgery improves symptoms in some people. Those with mild symptoms have the best outcome. Walking is the symptom most likely to improve.

 

Possible Complications

 

Problems that may result from NPH or its treatment include:

  • Complications of surgery (infection, bleeding, shunt that does not work well)
  • Loss of brain function ( dementia ) that becomes worse over time
  • Injury from falls
  • Shortened life span

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your health care provider if:

  • You or a loved one is having increasing problems with memory, walking, or urine incontinence.
  • A person with NPH worsens to the point where you are unable to care for the person yourself.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if a sudden change in mental status occurs. This may mean that another disorder has developed.

 

 

Open References

References

Ferri FF. Normal pressure hydrocephalus. In: Ferri FF, ed. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2016 . Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 648.

Rosenberg GA. Brain edema and disorders of cerebrospinal fluid circulation. In: Daroff RB, Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SK, eds. Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 88.

 
  • Central nervous system

    Central nervous system - illustration

    The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes all peripheral nerves.

    Central nervous system

    illustration

  • Ventricles of the brain

    Ventricles of the brain - illustration

    The ventricles of the brain are hollow chambers filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which supports the tissues of the brain.

    Ventricles of the brain

    illustration

    • Central nervous system

      Central nervous system - illustration

      The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes all peripheral nerves.

      Central nervous system

      illustration

    • Ventricles of the brain

      Ventricles of the brain - illustration

      The ventricles of the brain are hollow chambers filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which supports the tissues of the brain.

      Ventricles of the brain

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Talking to your MD

       

        Self Care

         

          Tests for Normal pressure hydrocephalus

           
           

          Review Date: 2/27/2016

          Reviewed By: Amit M. Shelat, DO, FACP, Attending Neurologist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology, SUNY Stony Brook, School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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