Normal pressure hydrocephalus is an uncommon disorder, which involves an obstruction in the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid. This blockage causes a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid on the brain. Symptoms of normal pressure hydrocephalus include dementia, urinary incontinence, and difficulty in walking. Presently, the most useful diagnostic tools are the neuroimaging techniques (i.e. MRI). Normal pressure hydrocephalus may be caused by any of several factors including meningitis, encephalitis, and head injuries. In addition to treatment of the underlying cause, the condition may be corrected by a neurosurgical procedure (insertion of a shunt) to divert the fluid away from the brain.
Education and Support
By Hydrocephalus Association
Hydrocephalus is a chronic neurological condition characterized by an increased volume of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within spaces inside the brain. While there's no known cure for hydrocephalus, the future holds promise. Recent research gives great hope that we may one day find a cure. In the meantime, gradual advances in technology as well as diagnostic and treatment protocols are helping more and more people with hydrocephalus to lead full and active lives.
Although hydrocephalus (hi-dro-sef-a-lus) is not yet a household word, it is NOT uncommon and you are not alone. Over a million people of all ages currently live with hydrocephalus in the United States, though it occurs all over the world. Hydrocephalus knows no socioeconomic, gender or ethnic boundaries. Of every 1,000 babies born in this country, one or two will have hydrocephalus. It is the most common reason for brain surgery in children, but it can also be diagnosed in any decade of life. Experts estimate that hundreds of thousands of older adults have normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), which often goes undetected or is misdiagnosed as untreatable dementia, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.
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