normal pressure hydrocephalus (redirected from Hydrocephalus, normal pressure)

normal pressure hydrocephalus

n.

A hydrocephalic condition in which the spinal fluid pressure remains normal, resulting from the inability of the arachnoid granulations to absorb cerebrospinal fluid, and characterized by progressive dementia. Also called occult hydrocephalus.

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normal pressure hydrocephalus

Etymology: L, norma, rule, premere, to press; Gk, hydor, water, kephale, head

a condition in which there is dilation of the ventricles without an increase in intracranial pressure. Classic symptoms are gait disturbance, memory/cognitive problems, and urinary incontinence. Diagnosis is made by lumbar puncture to remove cerebrospinal fluid and by watching to see if any of the symptoms improve.

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normal pressure hydrocephalus

Adult hydrocephalus, communicating hydrocephalus, idiopathic hydrocephalus Neurology A form of gradual onset progressive hydrocephalus, which accounts for ±5% of all dementias Etiology Idiopathic, obstruction to CSF flow; CSF is produced normally but not reabsorbed; the brain's ventricles enlarge to accommodate the ↑ volume of CSF; CSF pressure remains normal; it is accompanied by brain atrophy due to compression by the fluid-filled ventricles Risk factors Conditions causing obstruction of CSF–eg, closed head injury, neurosurgery with craniotomy, meningitis, subarachnoid hemorrhage. See Hydrocephalus.