What is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus?

Normal pressure hydrocephalus, or NPH, is an acquired hydrocephalus that most often occurs in people in their later years. NPH is different from typical hydrocephalus in that it may not cause an obvious increase of pressure in the head, but may have fluctuations in CSF pressure from high to normal to low.

What are the symptoms of NPH?

There are three classic symptoms of NPH. They are referred to as the classic triad of symptoms:

• Difficulty walking — This problem can be mild or severe. In many cases, people with NPH have trouble picking up their feet. Some describe it as feeling like their feet are stuck to the floor. This can lead to a shuffling walk, and problems going up stairs and curbs. It also increases the risk of falling.
• Dementia — This often involves confusion, short-term memory loss, and a lack of interest in daily activities.
• Problems with bladder control — Problems include urinary incontinence (the inability to hold urine), frequent urination, and a strong feeling of needing to urinate.

Most patients with NPH do not have headaches, which are common in patients with obstructive hydrocephalus. 

What causes NPH?

Many cases of NPH have no known cause. Some cases of NPH are linked to bleeding in the brain or a blockage in CSF flow through and around the brain and spinal cord. It is believed that blockages are linked to a history of infection, stroke, or head injury.

How common is NPH?

Because the symptoms of NPH are similar to those of other diseases, people with NPH are often diagnosed with disorders such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, or the symptoms may be attributed to the aging process. For that reason, it is difficult to know how many people actually have NPH. However, it is estimated that as many as 10 percent of people with dementia attributed to other disorders may actually have NPH.

How is NPH diagnosed?

A careful review of symptoms, a medical history, and various tests are used to diagnose NPH. Tests used may include:

• Computed tomography (CT) — A CT scan is a diagnostic tool that uses X-rays and a computer to create pictures of structures inside the body. A CT scan can provide images that show the size of the ventricles.
• Lumbar puncture for NPH — Also called a spinal tap, this procedure is used to remove a sample of the CSF. For NPH, this test is used to determine if a person’s symptoms improve after removing a large amount of fluid. About 1 to 1½ oz. of fluid is removed. However, this test is not definitive.
• NPH protocol — The protocol entails a series of screening procedures, including a gait analysis, blood work, and neuropsychiatric testing. It also involves the removal of CSF through a special catheter (tube) over a 36-hour period. It is expected that following removal of CSF, there will be a dramatic, temporary relief of symptoms. The protocol also provides the surgeon with information about the potential benefit of implanting a shunt, which is a device that drains excess CSF away from the brain and spinal cord, diverting it to another part of the body, such as the abdomen or heart, where the body can absorb it.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — An MRI scan uses a magnet and radio waves, instead of X-rays, to produce images.
• Gait analysis (walking) — This is a timed walk test. The patient is watched as he or she walks 10 meters (about 30 feet).
• Neuropsychological testing — This involves a series of questions used to see if there is a loss of brain function caused by NPH.

How is NPH treated?

NPH may be treated using an implantable shunt to drain excess CSF away from the brain and spinal cord.

What complications are linked to NPH treatment?

Complications of NPH treatment are those associated with any surgical procedure. They include bleeding, infection, and reaction to the anesthesia used during surgery. Patients might also experience mild abdominal pain. Seizures also may occur as surgery on the brain can affect very sensitive areas of the brain. Fortunately, these complications are not common, and in most cases can be successfully treated.

What is the outlook for people with NPH?

With treatment, the symptoms of NPH can be partially or even fully reversible. On the other hand, the outlook is poor when the disorder is not treated appropriately. Without treatment, the symptoms can continue to worsen and lead, eventually, to death.

Is there any way to prevent NPH?

Right now, there is no known way to prevent NPH. However, getting treatment as soon as symptoms appear can improve those symptoms and increase the chance for a full or partial recovery.