Section 5 - Associated conditions

Summary

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is characterized by the presence of ventriculomegaly associated with the triad of gait, memory, and urinary problems in the absence of a detectable cause. The characteristic clinical presentation of iNPH, however, also accompanies the insidious onset of hydrocephalus secondary to other processes, such as infection, malignancy, and hemorrhage. This chapter discusses the clinical features, evaluation, and management of secondary and/or compensated hydrocephalus. Most commonly obstruction from aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, brain malignancy, spinal malignancy, or an infectious etiology can precipitate or directly lead to hydrocephalus. Communicating hydrocephalus is thought to occur in the context of increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production, such as in the case of choroid plexus tumors, or impaired CSF absorption, secondary to leptomeningeal disease or tumor bleeding. Clinical outcomes from endoscopic treatment of neurocysticercosis are better than outcomes after open surgical procedures.