Alternative Names
Hydrocephalus – idiopathic; Hydrocephalus – adult; Hydrocephalus – communicating; Extraventricular obstructive hydrocephalus
Definition of Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)
Hydrocephalus refers to a build-up of fluid inside the skull, leading to brain swelling. Hydrocephalus means “water on the brain.”
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a form of , which means there is too much fluid pressing on the brain.
Symptoms
The symptoms often begin slowly.
Signs and tests
An examination shows walking (gait) changes related to the pressure placed on parts of the brain. Deep tendon reflexes may be increased in the lower legs.
Treatment
The treatment of choice is surgery to place a tube called a that routes the excess CSF out of the brain ventricles. This is called a .
Expectations (prognosis)
Without treatment, symptoms often get worse and could lead to death.
Review
Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 3/9/2010
