Normal pressure hydrocephalus: an update

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a clinical-radiological syndrome.
• It disproportionately affects the elderly population.
• NPH presents with a triad of gait disturbance, urinary urge incontinence, and cognitive decline.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a didactic review of recent literature on NPH.
• To aid in the clinical diagnosis and management of NPH.
• To improve patient selection for ventricular shunt treatment.

Main Methods:

• This study is a narrative review of recent scientific literature.
• It compiles data relevant to clinical practice.
• Focuses on diagnostic criteria and therapeutic response predictors.

Main Results:

• NPH diagnosis requires careful clinical and radiological correlation.
• The tap test is a valuable predictor of shunt treatment response.
• A negative tap test does not preclude potential treatment benefits.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective NPH management.
• Symptoms of NPH are potentially reversible with timely intervention.
• Continued research is vital for a comprehensive understanding of NPH.