CASE HISTORY – September 2014

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. Overview and a case report

Authors: Kennet Kõiv, Jaan Eelmäe

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Abstract

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) is a neurological condition presenting with a unique triad of gait disturbance, dementia and urine incontinence. This is associated with ventricular enlargement in the absence of elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure. The diagnosis of INPH relies on clinical history, physical examination, neuroimaging (MRI or CT) and infusion tests. Still, despite all these, the pathophysiological mechanisms of INPH remain unclear. The surgical placement of a shunt is considered to be the only eff ective treatment for INPH. Patients, properly selected for shunting, are associated with a significant improvement of symptoms.