Summary
Definition
History and exam
Other diagnostic factors
- cognitive impairment
- urinary frequency, urgency, or incontinence
- faecal incontinence
Diagnostic investigations
1st investigations to order
- CT head (without contrast) or MRI head
- levodopa challenge
Investigations to consider
- lumbar puncture
- lumbar puncture with large-volume cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tap
- prolonged external lumbar drainage
- cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) infusion procedure
Treatment algorithm
Contributors
Authors

Consultant Neurologist
Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Sheffield
UK
Disclosures
RAG has chaired a NICE guideline development group on neurological conditions, including recognition of movement disorders associated with normal pressure hydrocephalus. RAG received standard remuneration for chairing a NICE guideline development group. RAG is the author of a paper cited in this topic.
Dr Richard Grünewald would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr Jeremy Rowe, a previous contributor to this topic.
Peer reviewers
Associate Director
Adult Hydrocephalus Center
Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute
Sinai Hospital
Baltimore
MD
Disclosures
RW declares that she has no competing interests.
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