NPH (normal pressure hydrocephalus): Let's connect and share

Posted by The Good Wife @thegoodwife, Aug 7, 2012

My husband had a note from an interventional radiologist in Dec that he had enlarged ventricles - our neurologist had some consulting - but thought he was within the normal range. In Feb. he had a open AAA surgery - in April, he had a nasty fall with a concussion - has had gait and mobility problems ever since. Now a neurosurgeon suspects he has NPH (fortunately not Parkinsons). On Fri. we have a MRI with a flow study.

A shunt is the usual solution. Any words of wisdom? Am very concerned about more trauma to him - he doesn't have incontinence or dementia. It would be fabulous if he could walk and drive again.

Many thanks for any help you, all can give.

The Good Wife

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syviegin | @syviegin | Feb 12 5:39pm

Has anyone in this forum tried the new non invasive Eshunt invented by a Yale doctor?

sovilla54 | @sovilla54 | Feb 13 5:36am

In reply to @syviegin "Has anyone in this forum tried the new non invasive Eshunt invented by a Yale doctor?" + (show)

I was diagnosed with Normal Pressure hydrocephalus several years ago after a concussion. Instead of a shunt, I had the Third Ventricle done at Cleveland Clinic! I chose this procedure because shunts malfunction at times. This is another option, it’s a newer procedure. Best wishes

ortina2023 | @ortina2023 | Feb 24 7:46am

My husband was diagnosed with NPH, too. He is 77, almost 78 now. His most recent MRI and the one about two years showed excess spinal fluid, though two years ago his symptoms were pretty mild and he decided to take a wait and see approach. Mistake! Now he has all the classic symptoms, incontinence, mobility issues, and dementia. We finally learned of a neurosurgeon who can do the shunt surgery and had his doctor send an urgent referral.
I would love to hear your experiences with his condition. It has turned our lives upside down. We have been married for 51 years. Hoping for some positive news.

jtkindness | @jtkindness | Apr 21 11:39pm

Hi Friends,
I am new to all of this. Is the group still active? We just saw my husband's MRI, and the ventricles look huge. It seems like NPH. The prospect of a VPS is terrifying to my husband. I understand it is the only way forward.
The MRI still has to be read by a radiologist. I am hoping it is not a brain tumor that is producing the fluids.

Thanks for your support.

ortina2023 | @ortina2023 | Apr 22 9:38am

I understand your concern. My 77 year old husband has NPH, was diagnosed after an MRI about two years ago and was also terrified at the prospect of brain surgery. His symptoms at the time weren’t too bad and he thought he could live with them. NPH is progressive and his symptoms gradually worsened over time. Today he needs a walker so he doesn’t lose his balance and fall risking a head injury or broken hip, has dementia, and is incontinent, all the classic signs. A second MRI was recently done and the diagnosis was the same.
Now we have found a neurosurgeon who accepts our insurance. Locating one was a struggle. We are in Oregon and apparently not many neurosurgeons do this surgery. We will go to Salem May 6 for an initial consult with a doctor who has experience. I only hope we didn’t wait too long.
I read the surgery is most effective in relieving symptoms if it is done early.
Good luck in this very unwelcome journey. It isn’t hopeless, but please don’t wait like we did.