Overview

What Is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus?

Your brain has chambers called ventricles (cavities) that normally contain fluid. The fluid is called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It cushions your brain and spinal cord. Normally, your body makes just enough CSF for each day and absorbs that same amount.

Sometimes, too much fluid can build up in the ventricles. This can cause normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).

NPH is rare. It most often affects older adults. Its symptoms can seem like Alzheimer鈥檚 and Parkinson鈥檚 symptoms. A clinician experienced with those conditions can often tell the difference between them and NPH. They will use special tests to determine if you have NPH.

You are at a higher risk for NPH if you:

  • Are older than age 60
  • Have a brain infection
  • Have had a head injury
  • Have a brain tumor
  • Have undergone brain surgery