'She couldn't run and even fell a few times. Ever so gradually Oriana's condition, along with her outlook and demeanor, began deteriorating. She became incontinent and developed progressive dementia. About five years ago, she started having seizures. Once she had a seizure at 3:00am and I had to give her CPR.'
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shunt: an implanted system used to direct fluid from one part of the body to another. A shunt usually contains: catheters, shunt, and a reservoir
Frequently asked questions
What is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)?
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus is a form of hydrocephalus characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the ventricles of the brain, without increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure.
Who gets NPH?
NPH occurs most often in people over the age of 60. NPH is thought to account for 5-10% of all dementias, affecting up to 250,000 Americans.
What are the Symptoms of NPH?
The diagnosis of NPH can be difficult because it presents symptoms similar to mild dementia, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The triad of classic symptoms associated with NPH includes: gait disturbance, dementia, and urinary incontinence.
How is NPH Diagnosed?
Individuals demonstrating primary symptoms should be referred to a neurologist for a complete neurological work-up, including a clinical assessment, CT and/or MRI neuro-imaging scans, cerebrospinal fluid flow studies and others.
How is NPH Treated?
The most successful treatment for NPH is through surgical placement of a shunt, which diverts the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to another part of the body.
What is the Prognosis for NPH?
The prognosis depends on many factors, but cases successfully managed with a shunt have resulted in brain recovery and reversal of the symptoms.
