[Indications for the intrathecal infusion test in disorders of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics]

Indications for and results of the intrathecal infusion test including 50 patients with chronic disturbances of the circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid are presented and discussed. The computer-aided infusion test permits in 93 per cent a reliable differentiation between patients with a normal-pressure hydrocephalus and those with cerebro-atrophic processes. Functional checking of the valve systems is a further indication for the intrathecal infusion test. In patients with a classical pressure hydrocephalus or subdural hygromas, however, we do not see an indication for this invasive examination procedure.