Normal pressure hydrocephalus treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt

Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a form of adult hydrocephalus with ventriculomegaly in the absence of any structural blockage of the cerebrospinal fluid circulation.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a partially reversible cause of dementia, manifesting with a triad of cognitive impairment, gait disturbance and urinary incontinence.

A detailed cognitive assessment, neurologic examination and brain imaging is necessary to exclude alternative causes and confirm the diagnosis.

High-volume lumbar puncture with pre- and postprocedure gait assessment is recommended as a confirmatory test before a decision is made regarding therapeutic interventions such as shunting.