The syndrome of normal-pressure hydrocephalus

J Neurosurg. 1984 Sep;61(3):501-9. doi: 10.3171/jns.1984.61.3.0501.

Abstract

A series of 40 patients with the syndrome of normal-pressure hydrocephalus is presented. Diagnosis was based on clinical and computerized tomography (CT) scan criteria and was followed by the insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt in every instance. All patients responded favorably to treatment (four of them had a fair outcome), and this response was maintained. There was one postoperative death, but no other serious complications. This study demonstrates that it is possible to diagnose the syndrome of normal-pressure hydrocephalus on the basis of clinical and CT scan criteria without any other invasive investigations. Such patients should respond favorably to an adequately functioning shunting system.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts*
  • Dementia / surgery
  • Female
  • Gait
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / diagnostic imaging
  • Hydrocephalus / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Peritoneal Cavity / surgery
  • Syndrome
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Urinary Incontinence / surgery