Triad of gait disturbance (magnetic gait), cognitive decline, urinary incontinence; normal cerebrospinal fluid pressure
Expansion
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Purpose
Diagnosis clinical plus imaging (disproportionately enlarged subarachnoid-space hydrocephalus, Evan’s index); shunting therapeutic
Clinical Context
Normal pressure hydrocephalus: cognitive decline, gait disturbance (magnetic or shuffling), incontinence. Disproportionately enlarged subarachnoid-space hydrocephalus plus Evan’s index greater than 0.3 plus clinical triad equals normal pressure hydrocephalus. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt potentially reversible.
Related Terms
- Hydrocephalus
- Dementia
Key Points
- Normal pressure hydrocephalus classic triad shows gait dysfunction, cognitive decline, incontinence; disproportionately enlarged subarachnoid-space hydrocephalus on magnetic resonance imaging supports diagnosis