Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a neurological disorder that results from an abnormal build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. The pressure caused by this fluid results in three primary symptoms: unsteadiness when walking, incontinence, and mild dementia. The disorder typically affects the elderly. Unfortunately, NPH is misunderstood and is often misdiagnosed as other diseases such as Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's. It is estimated that nearly 350,000 Americans have NPH, but only about 11,000 have been treated. However, with proper treatment-surgical insertion of a shunt-the symptoms can often be reversed. Neurologist Adam Mednick, M.D., Ph.D., draws from twenty years experience to provide concise information to help you understand how this disorder is diagnosed and treated. Among the topics he covers: symptoms of NPH, how NPH develops, why your medical history is important, medical tests performed to diagnose NPH, treatment for NPH-surgical insertion of a shunt, types of shunts, follow-up care after surgery, A Primer for Learning about NPH... Book jacket.