Diagnosis for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
The symptoms of normal pressure hydrocephalus is similar to that of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. However, the combination of dementia-like symptoms, walking problems, and urinary problems raises more suspicion for NPH. Making the distinction is very important because the treatments for these conditions are different. No lab test can tell if you have NPH, but other kinds of tests can diagnose NPH.
At any point in this process, your health care provider may refer you to a specialist in brain disorders (neurologist or neurosurgeon) to complete the evaluation and begin treatment.
The evaluation begins with a medical interview, your doctor will ask certain questions such as:
- The symptoms you are experiencing and when they started
- Any medical or mental issue you are experiencing or have experienced in the past
- Your family’s medical history
- Medications you have taken now and in the past
- Your work and travel experiences
- Your habits and lifestyle
After this oral exam, a physical exam will be done to document your condition and rule out other disorders that might cause similar symptoms. The exam will probably include:
- Tests of your mental status, such as answering questions and following simple directions.
- Neuropsychological testing to document your dementia symptoms. This is the most accurate method of pinpointing and documenting a person’s cognitive problems and strengths.
Following your physical exam will be certain lab tests to rule out conditions that might cause similar symptoms. They include:
- Imaging tests: A CT scan or MRI of the head is done to look for enlarged ventricles in the brain.
- Cerebrospinal fluid tests: These tests include a spinal tap and external lumbar drainage. This involves the removal of cerebrospinal fluid for observation.
- Gait analysis (walking): This is a timed walk test. The patient is watched as he or she walks 10 meters (about 30 feet).