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Central nervous system Ventricles of the brain

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Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)

Alternative Names: Hydrocephalus - idiopathic; Hydrocephalus - adult; Hydrocephalus - communicating, "water on the brain" Symptoms: Early symptoms include: Changes in gait, including inability to begin walking (gait apraxia) Unsteady walking Weakness of the legs Sudden fall without loss of consciousness or other symptoms (drop attacks) Symptoms of progression of the disorder: Dementia (loss of any or all brain functions, including movement, sensation, perception, and thought processes) -- originally mild, may progress to severe dementia No observable mood (flat affect) Apathy Withdrawn behavior Impaired memory Difficulty maintaining attention Decreased spontaneity Urinary or bowel incontinence (loss of control over function) Speech impairment Text Continues Below Signs and tests: An examination shows gait changes related to the damage within the brain. Deep tendon reflexes may be increased in the lower legs. A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) may show normal pressure of CSF in the spine. A head CT scan or MRI of head may show changes that indicate NPH. A RHISA scan (a nuclear scan using radioactivity) may show changes of the circulation within the brain, or reflux of CSF into the ventricles.

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