Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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 375,000 Americans.

The triad of classic symptoms associated with NPH includes: gait disturbance, dementia, and urinary incontinence. The diagnosis of NPH can be difficult because it presents symptoms similar to mild dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.

Individuals demonstrating classic 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. 

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.

The prognosis depends on many factors, but cases successfully managed with a shunt have resulted in brain recovery and reversal of the symptoms.