FAQ

Diagnosing normal pressure hydrocephalus is a challenge because its three hallmark symptoms are individually found in other conditions. Furthermore, even with NPH, not all patients present with all three symptoms of the NPH puzzle. Nevertheless, any or all of the following three symptoms, combined with brain scans, lumbar puncture or brain catheter, will lead a good doctor to the correct diagnosis:

Walking Difficulties	Mild Dementia	Poor Bladder Control
Difficulty walking is usually the first symptom to appear and is usually the most pronounced. The person's walking stride becomes more wide-based and slow, with a shuffling type gait. Balance can be impaired and frequent falls may occur. The person may have difficulty turning corners or lifting their feet.	The mild dementia associated with NPH is often mistaken as a typical consequence of aging. The symptoms can include forgetfulness, loss of interest in daily activities, and reduced org-anizational and problem-solving skills. the dementia associated with NPH is usually less severe than dementia associated with other conditions (e.g. Alzheimer's)	Poor bladder control may range from urinary frequency to incon-tinence. In the early stages of NPH, the need to urinate frequently, or the urgent need to urinate are most prevalent. Later stages of NPH may be characterized by total loss of bladder control, or incontinence. However, some people with NPH never have bladder control problems.