Related Experiment Videos
Symptomatic congenital hydrocephalus in the elderly simulating normal pressure hydrocephalus
N R Graff-Radford1, J C Godersky
1Department of Neurology, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City.
Neurology
|December 1, 1989
Summary
Older adults with hydrocephalus may present with large head circumferences and neurological decline. Shunt surgery can significantly improve symptoms in these patients, highlighting the importance of head measurement.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Compensated congenital hydrocephalus can become symptomatic in older age.
- Large head circumference is not always indicative of active hydrocephalus in adults.
Observation:
- Three older patients with hydrocephalus presented with head circumference at or above the 98th percentile.
- Deterioration in gait and cognitive function was observed in two patients.
- Elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure was noted in two patients.
Findings:
- All three patients showed ventriculomegaly on CT scans without transependymal flow.
- One patient had an Arnold-Chiari type I malformation.
- All patients improved significantly following ventriculoperitoneal shunting.
Implications:
- Older individuals with hydrocephalus and large head circumference may benefit from shunt surgery.
- Head circumference measurement is crucial for evaluating hydrocephalus in the elderly.
- Timely surgical intervention can reverse neurological deficits in aged hydrocephalus patients.