Normal pressure hydrocephalus
Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH, pronounced /ˈnɔːrməl ˈprɛʃər haɪdrəʊˈsɛfələs/) is a type of hydrocephalus that occurs in adults, usually older adults. The term "normal pressure" refers to the fact that the cerebrospinal fluid pressure in the brain is often normal, despite the presence of excess fluid. The etymology of the term comes from the Greek words "hydro" meaning water, and "cephalus" meaning head, indicating a condition of water in the head.
Symptoms
The classic symptoms of NPH are gait disturbance, urinary incontinence, and dementia. These symptoms may not occur all at once and may not be severe initially, but they worsen over time.
Causes
The exact cause of NPH is unknown. However, it is often associated with conditions that block the flow or absorption of cerebrospinal fluid, such as subarachnoid hemorrhage, meningitis, or head trauma.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of NPH involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests such as MRI or CT scan. A lumbar puncture may also be performed to measure the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid.
Treatment
Treatment for NPH typically involves surgically implanting a shunt in the brain to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid. This procedure can help to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
See also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Normal pressure hydrocephalus
- Wikipedia's article - Normal pressure hydrocephalus
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