Normal-pressure hydrocephalus (SNPH) is a chronic form of hydrocephalus that occurs in adults.
hydrocephalus (SNPH) is a chronic hydrocephalus occurring in adults with enlarged ventricles but normal brain pressure [<1.8 kPa (180 mmH2O)] is a clinical syndrome due to multiple causes. The main features of normal pressure hydrocephalus 1. Typical triad of dementia, gait disorder, urinary incontinence 2. CT or MRI shows traffic hydrocephalus 3. Normal pressure on multiple lumbar punctures 4. Symptoms can be relieved after cerebrospinal fluid shunts 5. Age usually > 60 years, slightly more in men Common causes: after subarachnoid hemorrhage, after trauma, after meningitis, after posterior cranial fossa surgery, tumor, Alzheimer’s disease Lumbar puncture: normal lumbar The opening pressure should be less than 180 mmH2O. Treatment A ventriculoperitoneal shunt, preferably with an adjustable pressure shunt, is preferred. The most likely symptom to improve after shunt is urinary incontinence, followed by gait disturbance, and the least likely to recover is dementia