Connect
← Return to Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Discussion
Comment receiving replies
I'm a newbie here---about 8 wks ago my husband--age 68--began having episodes of extreme weakness, balance problems, frequent urinations, severe short term memory loss---he has been on aricept for 10 yrs for 'dementia'. Now MDS are saying hydrocephalus, alzheimers, bradycardia---due to eval in NYC hydroceph clinic Jan 13--also pacemaker Jan 25. From what I understand, the hydroceph. clinic will do a spinal tap & watch him for 3 days to see if it makes adifference. if it does, they will then shunt
Replies to "I'm a newbie here---about 8 wks ago my husband--age 68--began having episodes of extreme weakness, balance..."
Dottie, what has happened with your husband? I hope all is going well.
Harry's appointment at the hydrocephalus clinic in NYC was pushed up from Jan 13 to Dec 29. All of my adult children were here so it was GREAT that they could go with us. After 3 hrs of testing & interviews, the doctor did not feel Harry's symptoms were conclusive that hydrocephelas was causing the problems----altho the MRI & PET scans showed he definately had enlarged ventricles etc. Next step is to get the records from 10 yrs ago & then make an appointment for a spinal tap. We are having problems getting the records----not that they can't find them--but be/c of the 'privacy laws'. they are refusing to release them. Maybe we will have to show up at Medical records---but NYC hospitals are so overwhelming to us!!! Keep us in your prayers!
Connect
Hello Dottie! I know the feelings that you must be having right now. So many opinions and little "for sures". I am a Mayo patient in Jkvl Fl. In Sept 11, I had the programable shunt put in by Dr. Wharen. I live in central FL and my regular GP is a good listener and sent me for an MRI when I complained of balance, incontinence and memory problems. I am 64 and had just retired because I was getting so tired all the time. The MRI showed enlarged ventricals (too much cerebral spinal fluid.) Dr. J. VanGerpen did several mobility tests and then in June they did the spinal tap. They took out 30cc of fluid and I showed immediate improvement. I could even skip down the hallway the next day. They had video taped me before the spinal and then I had to do the exact same tasks the day after the tap. It was a remarkable improvement and they knew that a shunt would probably be my answer. The Drs at Mayo acknowledged that I was the earliest diagnosed case of NPH they had treated. I feel very fortuniate to have had it caught so early. NPH is often mis-diagnosed as dementia, parkensons and alzheimers. This is not a well known adult malady. But some good Drs. recognize it. 1 day in the hospital at Mayo and home in 2 days. Recovery has been very good. I pray for your husband and I hope that you realize that you have to be your own advocate and learn as much as possible about the problem and the treatment. Please chat with me if questions come up that an experienced patient could answer for you. God Bless