Normal pressure hydrocephalus: a qualitative study on outcome

Objective To describe the natural history and shunt outcome in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and the variables that influence both. Method Motor and cognitive parameters of 35 patients with NPH, as well as shunt surgery status, were registered at two time points (T0 and T1). Results Thirteen patients underwent shunt surgery. Favorable outcome in gait function occurred in 5 of 35 patients and was related to younger age, absence of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and white matter lesions (WML), and shunt surgery. Cognitive outcome was favorable in 9 of 35 patients and associated with shunt surgery (trend level). Of the patients subjected to surgery, favorable outcome in motor function was related to younger age at T0 and absence of CVRF and WML (trend level). Conclusion Shunt surgery had a significant effect on gait and less on cognition. Favorable outcome in gait was also associated with younger age and absence of CVRF and WML.