Causes and Diagnoses

Causes and Diagnoses of聽Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) occurs if the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) throughout the brain and spinal cord is blocked. The blockage may be caused by:

  • A past injury
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Brain tumor
  • Surgery on the brain

Often, the blockage鈥檚 cause is not known.

The ventricles get bigger when too much CSF builds up in the ventricles. This causes them to press against nearby brain tissue. The extra fluid and pressure can lead to brain damage.

Diagnosis

A neurologist will use special tests to determine if you have NPH. The tests may include:

  • Physical exam
  • Review of your symptoms
  • Evaluation of the way you walk
  • CT or MRI scans of your brain
  • A test of your CSF after a spinal tap to remove a sample

Because NPH can seem like other conditions, an accurate diagnosis helps ensure you get the right treatment.