Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a treatable condition of the brain that usually affects people 60 years of age and older.
Our bodies regularly produce spinal fluid in the brain. However, as we age, this fluid will not always get reabsorbed at the same rate. NPH is a condition of the brain where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up in the brain’s ventricles and causes pressure. The ventricles then push out against the brain which can stretch the brain and neurons that control balance, bladder, memory and thought processes.
NPH is frequently underdiagnosed because many often attribute the common symptoms to "normal aging." Possible symptoms of NPH include:
- Trouble walking or changes to walking patterns
- Poor balance
- Falling
- Forgetfulness
- Mood changes
- Depression
- Difficulty responding to questions
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Because many of these symptoms are similar to those of dementia, patients are misdiagnosed and left untreated or are improperly treated. However, unlike dementia, NPH is treatable with surgery. A visit to a specialist could lead to proper diagnosis and treatment. For some, the surgical procedure can stop and even reverse the symptoms. Many patients may even return to independent living and enjoying their daily activities.
The accurate diagnosis of NPH requires a multidisciplinary team and approach. It’s a far cry from a simple scan or blood test. By drawing on the expertise of a number of different specialists, we can guide our patients to the correct diagnosis and most effective treatment.
At Inova, our multidisciplinary team of experts including neurosurgeons, neurologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, radiologists, and clinical nurses are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of NPH. We are one of just a few centers that uses a collaborative approach to diagnose this condition.
To help diagnose NPH, either a lumbar puncture trial or a lumbar drain trial may be performed. The lumbar puncture trial is a two-day outpatient evaluation, while the lumbar drain trial requires an overnight hospital stay. After the lumbar puncture(s) or lumbar drain placement, you will be evaluated by a physical therapist and a speech therapist. These evaluations provide objective information to help determine whether your symptoms have improved. At your follow-up office visit, we will discuss the results and determine whether a shunt is an appropriate option for you.
If you or an elderly loved one have experienced changes in walking, thinking, mood, and/or loss of bowel and bladder control, contact Inova Memory Disorders Program for a consult at 703-776-4700.