Treatment Options for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is an excessive buildup of pressure in the brain. Most often, NPH is formed by an obstruction that does not allow fluid to drain from the brain. Symptoms include headache, vomiting and cognitive difficulty. In most cases NPH is treated by surgery.

Shunt

• The most common treatment for NPH involves the implantation of a shunt to assist with the drainage of excess fluid. The shunt is a long tube that helps regulate the flow and direction of the fluid. According to the Mayo Clinic, a surgeon will implant one end of the shunt inside one of the ventricles in the brain. The tube will then be connected to another part of the body where the excess fluid can safely drain, such as a chamber in the heart or the abdomen.

Other Treatments

• If the obstruction lays in the ventricle of the brain, the doctor will perform what is known as a ventriculostomy. This procedure involves the creation of a hole in the ventricle, which will allow the excess fluid to drain towards the brain base. Once it reaches that point, the fluid will then naturally be absorbed. Also, physical, educational and occupational therapy can help people with hydrocephalus cope with the condition. Surgery and therapy are effective for both adults and children but therapy is especially recommended for children to help monitor their development.

Prevention

• To prevent NPH, you should protect your head from trauma. If riding a bicycle, make sure you wear a helmet and use a seat belt at all times while traveling in a car. Also, certain infectious diseases that cause swelling in the brain, such as meningitis, can also be a catalyst for NPH. If you think you are at high risk for meningitis, you should speak to your doctor about getting vaccinated. Pregnant women should also receive the proper prenatal care since a premature delivery puts the baby at a greater risk for NPH.