Now accepting Telehealth appointments. Schedule a virtual visit.

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) is a neurological condition characterized by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain's ventricles, leading to ventricular enlargement.

Here is an overview: Symptoms: 1. Gait disturbance (magnetic gait, difficulty walking) 2. Dementia (memory loss, cognitive decline) 3. Urinary incontinence Causes: 1. Blockage of CSF flow or absorption 2. Head trauma 3. Infections (meningitis, encephalitis) 4. Brain tumors or cysts 5. Aging

Ocular signs of hydrocephalus include: 
 
  • Vision changes: Blurred vision, reduced vision, double vision, or grayouts or fuzzouts of vision 
     
  • Eye misalignment: Strabismus, or eyes looking outwards and downwards 
     
  • Other eye problems: Unstable or shaking eyes, abnormal pupil reaction to light, or less than 20/20 vision 
     
  • Setting-sun sign:  eyes that look downwards 
     
  • Saccadic eye movement: Impaired rapid jumps of eye movement from one position to another 

Diagnosis: 1. Imaging studies (CT, MRI, or PET scans) 2. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) 3. CSF analysis 4. Gait and cognitive assessments

https://youtu.be/F1xO41erT90?si=-kDHoAPJMbwFn6UU

Treatment: 1. Ventriculoperitoneal shunting (surgical implantation of a shunt to drain excess CSF) 2. Lumbar punctures (temporary CSF drainage) 3. Medications (diuretics, acetazolamide) 4. Rehabilitation (physical, occupational, and cognitive therapy)

Prognosis: 1. Variable, depending on underlying cause and treatment effectiveness 2. Shunting can improve symptoms, but may not reverse damage 3. Close monitoring and management are crucial NPH can be misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease due to similar symptoms. Accurate diagnosis and timely treatment are essential for optimal outcomes. 

Author
Paddy Kalish OD, JD and B.Arch Author and Blogger

You Might Also Enjoy...

Pickleball-Related Eye Injuries

Pickleball-related eye injuries are on the rise due to the sport’s rapid growth in the United States, especially among adults aged 50 and older

Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing occurs when a person breathes primarily through the mouth rather than the nose, often due to nasal obstruction or other health issues

ALS(Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscles, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and ultimately respiratory failure.

Common Hormones and Their Nicknames

Many hormones also have scientific abbreviations and are grouped by chemical classes (e.g., peptide, steroid, amine). The nicknames often come from their most prominent and publicized effects on health or behavior.

A1C

A1C, also known as hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c, is a blood test that measures the average level of blood glucose (sugar) over the past two to three months.

Joint hypermobility syndrome(JHS)

Joint hypermobility syndrome is when one has very flexible joints because the joints are loose and stretchy when the ligaments that should make them stronger and support them are weak