Symptoms of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Symptoms of NPH gradually worsens, you may not realize you have the NPH or even visit the hospital until your condition worsens enough. If you have NPH, you’ll gradually develop dementia if not treated.
Symptoms of dementia include:
- Loss of memory
- Problem with speech
- Apathy (indifference) and withdrawal
- Drastic mood or behavior change
- Difficulties with reasoning, paying attention, or judgment
- Walking problems
- Unsteadiness
- Leg weakness
- Sudden falls
- Shuffling steps
- Difficulty taking the first step, as if feet were stuck to the floor
You’ll also experience some urinary symptoms, such as:
- Inability to hold urine
- Inability to hold stool, or feces (less common)
- Frequent urination
- Urgency to urinate
The following symptoms can be related to increased pressure in the brain:
- Headache
- Nausea [8]
- Difficulty focusing eyes
Some people pay less attention to these symptoms, thinking they are just normal parts of aging. However, these are symptoms of treatable conditions. You should visit your healthcare provider if you experience any of these problems.