Neurológia pre prax 6/2011

Normal pressure hydrocephalus

Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a special type of communicating hydrocephalus characterised by the classic clinical triad of gait disturbance, dementia, and urinary incontinence. Magnetic resonance imaging plays the main role in the field of imaging methods and it is useful in differential diagnosis, too. Tap test, lumbar infusion test and external lumbar drainage belong to the most frequently used tests in the selection of patients for operative treatment. Based on the clinical state of a patient, findings of the imaging methods, results of the supplemental tests, and also taking into account the co-morbidities and surgery risks, patients are indicated for the implantation of a shunt. Implantation of a ventriculo-peritoneal or ventriculo-atrial shunt is a standard therapy with the preferential use of programmable valves.

Keywords: normal pressure hydrocephalus, idiopathic, secondary, tap test, lumbar infusion test, external lumbar drainage.