We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 1,963
Share

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a neurological condition in which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up inside the brain and causes damage to the brain tissues. This condition is fully treatable, but if it is allowed to persist without treatment, the patient can experience complications. NPH is also rather tricky to diagnose, and is sometimes missed unless a doctor is very experienced. Management of this condition is usually supervised by a neurologist, a practitioner who specializes in disorders of the brain and spinal cord.

In patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus, cerebrospinal fluid builds up inside the ventricles of the brain. Normally, more fluid is always being produced, and old fluid is drained away. These patients cannot drain away excess fluid because of a blockage, and as a result, the ventricles begin to expand, pushing on the brain tissue and causing damage.

The “normal pressure” in “normal pressure hydrocephalus” is a reference to the fact that the intercranial pressure in the patient is usually normal or not unusually high. This is one of the things which makes the condition difficult to diagnose, because hydrocephalus usually leads to an increase in intercranial pressure, and a normal pressure reading may mislead a doctor. Additionally, the patient doesn't experience symptoms like headaches, vision distortions, nausea, and dizziness which are commonly associated with hydrocephalus.

One of the classic signs of normal pressure hydrocephalus is dementia. In addition, patients also have difficulty walking and often lose bladder control. Because this condition commonly occurs in the elderly, sometimes it is left untreated because the progressive neurological symptoms are attributed to aging or another condition, like Alzheimer's disease. Younger patients who develop normal pressure hydrocephalus as a result of complications from surgery or head trauma are more likely to receive treatment because a doctor recognizes that their behavior is abnormal.

To treat this condition, a neurosurgeon can install a shunt in the brain. The shunt drains fluid to the abdomen, where it can be reabsorbed and expressed by the body. This will bring down the level of CSF in the brain, reducing the pressure on the tissues of the brain and allowing the patient to recover. Depending on how early treatment is provided, the patient may be able to avoid some permanent damage, returning to a level of neurological function comparable to that experienced before the onset of NPH. A neurologist will also usually recommend follow up visits to monitor neurological function after the shunt is installed.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-normal-pressure-hydrocephalus.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.