What is Normal
Pressure Hydrocephalus?
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, or NPH, is a
condition of later life where excess water accumulates in the brain. This
typically causes incontinence, loss of memory, unsteady walking and dizziness.
Why is NPH important?
NPH is important because it closely
resembles Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Unlike these diseases
NPH may be treated surgically. If you suspect that either you, or a member of
your family, may be affected by this condition, have your family physician
refer you to a Neurologist or Neurosurgeon as soon as possible. These
Specialists will help you decide what to do next. There are typically two
steps—(i) to decide whether you might have NPH, and (ii) to decide if you
will benefit from treatment.
How can you
diagnose Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus?
The first step to diagnosing NPH is a CT scan
of the brain, which can show build-up of fluid.
If a physician
thinks NPH is likely after hearing about your symptoms and seeing your CT scan,
you can be referred for a special diagnostic test, an ‘infusion
study’.
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This test should
be done in a specialist center, experienced in treating NPH. The test involves
the injection of a small amount of fluid into the back, followed by a short
computer measurement. The whole test can be performed in one clinic
visit.
What causes Normal Pressure
Hydrocephalus?
The exact cause of NPH
is not currently known, although scientists are working hard to discover
it.
How dangerous is Normal Pressure
Hydrocephalus?
NPH is not a
life-threatening condition—it is a slowly developing problem which is
troublesome because of the symptoms it causes. If NPH is left untreated for
long periods, treatment may not work as well, and some permanent damage to
nerve cells can occur.
How is NPH
treated?
NPH can be easily treated by
draining the excess fluid away. This is done using a device (a shunt) which can
be implanted with a short operation. This shunt is a small valve which opens
automatically when excess fluid builds-up.
What should I do
now?
Most importantly, seek help! If
you have two or more of the symptoms on the front of this brochure, go to see a
Physician to discuss whether you should be examined further for the possibility
of NPH. |
dizzy?
unsteady?
forgetful?
incontinent?
