Reversible dementia in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. A case report.
OBJECTIVE
To present a woman with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) showing marked improvement in mental function after shunt operation.


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
Primary health care.


METHODS
The clinical symptoms of gait disturbance, occasional urine incontinence and severely impaired mental function typical of NPH were all present. Although dementia predominated in the clinical picture, the diagnosis was confirmed by computer tomography (CT) and cerebrospinal fluid infusion test and cisternography.


METHODS
A marked improvement of mental functions was observed after shunt operation.


RESULTS
Mini Mental State Examination score before shunt operation was 9 compared with 20 one year after operation. Also ventricle size was reduced as evaluated by CT scan.


CONCLUSIONS
This reported case contrasts previous reports concluding that shunt responsive patients have only slight mental disturbances without significant improvement of mental status after shunt operation.
Bekkelund
S I
SI
Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Tromsø, Norway.
Marthinsen
T A
TA
Harr
T
T
D000368:Aged; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles / Q000473:pathology; D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts; D003704:Dementia / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006850:Hydrocephalus, Normal Pressure / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed