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Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (cont.)

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Symptoms

At first, the symptoms in normal pressure hydrocephalus are usually very subtle. They worsen very gradually.

Dementia symptoms

  • Memory loss

  • Speech problems

  • Apathy (indifference) and withdrawal

  • Changes in behavior or mood

  • Difficulties with reasoning, paying attention, or judgment

Walking problems

  • Unsteadiness

  • Leg weakness

  • Sudden falls

  • Shuffling steps

  • Difficulty taking the first step, as if feet were stuck to the floor

  • "Getting stuck" or "freezing" while walking

Urinary symptoms

  • Inability to hold urine

  • Inability to hold stool, or feces (less common)

  • Frequent urination

  • Urgency to urinate

The following symptoms can be related to increased pressure in the brain:



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Hydrocephalus »

Hydrocephalus can be defined broadly as a disturbance of formation, flow, or absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that leads to an increase in volume occupied by this fluid in the central nervous system (CNS).

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