normal pressure hydrocephalus

Full Definition

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a clinical syndrome characterized by the triad of gait disturbance, urinary incontinence, and dementia, along with ventriculomegaly on imaging but normal or only mildly elevated CSF pressure on lumbar puncture. NPH can be idiopathic or secondary to previous head trauma, infection, or subarachnoid hemorrhage. The condition is potentially reversible with CSF shunting, making early recognition important, though diagnosis can be challenging due to symptom overlap with other age-related conditions.

Usage

Usage note: Classic triad: gait disturbance (wet, wobbly, wacky). Often abbreviated as NPH.

In Context

• "The patient's triad of symptoms suggested normal pressure hydrocephalus." — Neurology consultation
• "Large volume lumbar puncture was performed to assess NPH reversibility." — Diagnostic procedure note