Is there such a thing as normal pressure hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus as an imaging finding is commonly interpreted as potentially representing normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) largely because of the favorable therapeutic implications [ 1 ].
What does normal pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid mean?
Normal pressure hydrocephalus. Normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), also called communicating hydrocephalus and malresorptive hydrocephalus, is a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) occurs in the ventricles, and with normal or slightly elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure.
What should the outflow resistance be for hydrocephalus?
A low outflow resistance corresponds to high cerebral compliance and vice versa. Normal values are 5–10 mm Hg/ml/minute and a value > 18 mm Hg/ml/minute appears to be the approximate cut off point for diagnosing active hydrocephalus in the elderly.
How is hydrocephalus different from cerebral atrophy?
Differentiating normal pressure hydrocephalus from cerebral atrophy is still often more of an art than a science. ICP monitoring and CSF infusion studies are now being used more frequently in young patients with mild symptoms and older patients with possible low grade hydrocephalus.
How to recognize normal pressure hydrocephalus in older adults?
A telltale triad of clues—gait disturbance, cognitive impairment, and urinary incontinence—differentiates normal pressure hydrocephalus from other neurologic diseases affecting older adults. With early detection and treatment, dementia and other complications can be reversed in many patients.
How old is Mr’s with pressure hydrocephalus?
Mr. S, 78, is a widower who’s struggled with frequent falls at home due to a shuffling gait and urinary incontinence. When talking with his family, he’s been inattentive and slow to respond.
What are the risks and benefits of hydrocephalus?
Affected individuals and their families should be aware that hydrocephalus poses risks to both cognitive and physical development. However, many children diagnosed with the disorder benefit from rehabilitation therapies and educational interventions and go on to lead normal lives with few limitations.
What is the difference between nicating and non-nicating hydrocephalus?
nicating hydrocephalus occurs when there is an overproduction of CSF, non-communicating hydrocephalus occurs when an obstruction blocks CSF flow. Normal pres- sure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a type of communicating hydrocephalus in which the cerebral ventricles become enlarged and CSF pressure fluctuates. Common clinical