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Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), also called malresorptive hydrocephalus, is a form of communicating hydrocephalus in which excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up in the ventricles, leading to normal or slightly elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure.
Hydrocephalus can be classified via mechanism into communicating, noncommunicating, ex vacuo, and normal pressure hydrocephalus. Diagnosis is made by physical examination and medical imaging, such as a CT scan. [1] Hydrocephalus is typically treated through surgery. One option is the placement of a shunt system. [1]
Low-pressure hydrocephalus (LPH) is a condition whereby ventricles are enlarged and the individual experiences severe dementia, inability to walk, and incontinence – despite very low intracranial pressure (ICP). [1] Low pressure hydrocephalus appears to be a more acute form of normal pressure hydrocephalus. If not diagnosed in a timely ...
Treatment includes a healthy diet, salt restriction, and exercise. [2] The medication acetazolamide may also be used along with the above measures. [2] A small percentage of people may require surgery to relieve the pressure. [2] About 2 per 100,000 people are newly affected per year. [4] The condition most commonly affects women aged 20–50. [2]
The treatment of choice in NPH is ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery (VPS). This treatment needs a VP shunt, which is a catheter with a valve aiming at implementing a one-way outflow of the excessive amount of CSF from the ventricles. It is obligatory to have patency control because of some possible complications such as infections and obstruction.
Ischemic hypoxia can also be created by pressure on the brain. Cerebral edema, brain hemorrhages and hydrocephalus exert pressure on brain tissue and impede their absorption of oxygen. Histotoxic hypoxia – Oxygen is present in brain tissue but cannot be metabolized by the brain tissue. Cyanide poisoning is a well-known example.
Intracranial pressure (ICP) is the pressure exerted by fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inside the skull and on the brain tissue. ICP is measured in millimeters of mercury and at rest, is normally 7–15 mmHg for a supine adult. This equals to 9–20 cmH 2 O, which is a common scale used in lumbar punctures. [1]
Increased volume of the ventricles will result in higher pressure within the ventricles, and cause higher pressure in the cortex from it being pushed into the skull. A person may have aqueductal stenosis for years without any symptoms, and a head trauma, hemorrhage, or infection could suddenly invoke those symptoms and worsen the blockage. [4]