Description
Normal pressure hydrocephalus (nph) is increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain that affects brain function. Normal pressure hydrocephalus (nph) is a form of hydrocephalus, also known as "water on the brain," which means there is too much fluid pressing on the brain. Nph can occur without a known cause, or may be caused by any condition that blocks the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Fluid-filled chambers (ventricles) of the brain expand to fit the increased volume of CSF. They press down on and damage or destroy brain tissue. They were pressing and damaging or destroying brain tissue.
Risk factors include:
- Bleeding from blood vessels or aneurysms in the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage)
- Closed head injury
- Meningitis or similar infections
- Operation of the brain (craniotomy)
Symptom
Symptoms often begin slowly. Early symptoms include:
- Changes in gait, including inability to begin walking (gait apraxia)
- A sudden fall
- Weakness legs
Symptoms increase when there occurs:
- Apathy
- Dementia
- Difficulty paying attention
- Impaired memory
- Less spontaneous behavior
- Do not have mood (flat)
- Disturbance to speak
- Urinary or bowel incontinence
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to improve symptoms. Treatment of choice is surgery to place a tube called a shunt that routes the excess CSF from the ventricles of the brain. Treatment may vary depending on the symptoms and how much to set them free therapy.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus (nph) is increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain that affects brain function. Normal pressure hydrocephalus (nph) is a form of hydrocephalus, also known as "water on the brain," which means there is too much fluid pressing on the brain. Nph can occur without a known cause, or may be caused by any condition that blocks the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Fluid-filled chambers (ventricles) of the brain expand to fit the increased volume of CSF. They press down on and damage or destroy brain tissue. They were pressing and damaging or destroying brain tissue.
Risk factors include:
- Bleeding from blood vessels or aneurysms in the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage)
- Closed head injury
- Meningitis or similar infections
- Operation of the brain (craniotomy)
Symptom
Symptoms often begin slowly. Early symptoms include:
- Changes in gait, including inability to begin walking (gait apraxia)
- A sudden fall
- Weakness legs
Symptoms increase when there occurs:
- Apathy
- Dementia
- Difficulty paying attention
- Impaired memory
- Less spontaneous behavior
- Do not have mood (flat)
- Disturbance to speak
- Urinary or bowel incontinence
Treatment
The aim of treatment is to improve symptoms. Treatment of choice is surgery to place a tube called a shunt that routes the excess CSF from the ventricles of the brain. Treatment may vary depending on the symptoms and how much to set them free therapy.
