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Shunting for normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)
1Dept of Neurology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Dept of Neurology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, UK, BT12 6BA. tesmonde@breathemail.net
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|July 26, 2002
Summary
No randomized controlled trials were found to determine the effectiveness of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting for normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). More research is needed to confirm if shunts benefit NPH patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a neurological condition.
- Conventionally managed with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts since 1965.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of shunting procedures for NPH.
- To evaluate if shunts stabilize or improve neurological symptoms in NPH patients.
Main Methods:
- Searched Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group register for trials.
- Included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of CSF shunt placement for NPH.
Main Results:
- No RCTs comparing shunt placement versus no shunt for NPH were identified.
- The search yielded no data meeting the inclusion criteria.
Conclusions:
- There is currently no evidence from RCTs to support or refute the use of shunts for NPH.
- Further high-quality research is required to establish the efficacy of shunting in NPH management.