What is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus? (audio)

The term hydrocephalus is derived from the Greek words hydro meaning water and cephalus meaning head. The resulting pressure of the fluid against the brain tissue causes hydrocephalus.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus most commonly occurs in older patients and includes symptoms such as problems with walking, urinary frequency and/or incontinence and progressive mental impairment and/or dementia. Because some of these symptoms also are experienced in other disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, normal pressure hydrocephalus may be incorrectly diagnosed. Dr. Burke will discuss the types of tests used to make an accurate diagnosis and surgical treatment options.

Featured Physician

Allan M. Burke, MD, is a neurologist on the medical staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and clinical professor of Neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.