Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Question 1

What is normal pressure hydrocephalus?

Answer 1

CSF buildup in the ventricles of the brain

Question 2

What is the cause of normal pressure hydrocephalus?

Answer 2

Imparied absorption of CSF at the arachnoid granulations
Aqueductal stenosis

Question 3

What are the causes of hydrocephalus?

Answer 3

Trauma
Brain bleed
Idiopathic

Question 4

What is the triad of features in normal pressure hydrocephalus?

Answer 4

Urinary incontinence
Dementia
Gait abnormality

Question 5

What is the time frame of normal pressure hydrocephalus?

Answer 5

Develops over a few months

Question 6

What is the definitive investigation for normal pressure hydrocephalus?

Answer 6

Walking and cognitive assessments before and after draining a large volume of CSF

Question 7

What other investigation can show evidence of NPH?

Answer 7

MRI head can show enlarged ventricles

Question 8

What is the management of NPH?

Answer 8

CSF drainage
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt

Question 9

What is a ventriculoperitoneal shunt?

Answer 9

A small catheter that drains CSF from the ventricles into the peritoneal cavity where it is more easily absorbed

Question 10

What are the complications of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt?

Answer 10

Infection
Blockage
Excessive drainage - prevented by a valve
Intraventricular haemorrhage during surgery