Normal pressure hydrocephalus
Background
- Possible reversible cause of dementia
- CSF buildup in the ventricles leading to increased intracranial pressure with edema of the periventricular white matter and corona radiata
- Sacral motor nerve fibers that produce gait instability; incontinence ensues when compressed
Clinical Features
- Gait disturbance
- Memory loss
- Incontinence
Differential Diagnosis
- Alzheimers
- Stroke
- Parkinson's Disease
- Electrolyte abnormality
- Malignancy
- Uremic encephalopathy
- Hydrocephalus ex vacuo (diffuse cerebral atrophy on CT)
Evaluation
Management
- Additional work up warranted for surgical candidate[1]
- Assessment for Surgical CSF shunting
Disposition
- Workup typically is extensive and performed as an outpatient.
- Refer to neurosurgery