正常压力脑积水（NPH）
What is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus?
正常压力脑积水（NPH）是由于大脑心室中过度脑脊液（CSF）积累而产生的。CSF由身体自然产生，并充当大脑和脊髓的保护性垫子。当产生过多的CSF并且没有被身体正确吸收时，会发生阻塞，并且心室会扩大，从而产生大脑的压力和肿胀。这种肿胀会影响大脑正常功能的能力。
NPH最常见的是60岁以上的成年人。其他疾病的危险因素是头部受伤，脑感染和脑肿瘤。
About the host: Dr. Dong Kim is a neurosurgeon and professor at the Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery at UTHealth. View his presentation on Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus and its treatment options.
Causes of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
NPH occurs when the normal flow of CSF in the brain and spinal cord is blocked, causing the ventricles to enlarge and put pressure on the brain. It can occur after injury or illness to the brain, with suspected causes that include head trauma, brain tumor, subarachnoid hemorrhage, infection, or complications from surgery. Some people develop NPH for unknown reasons. NPH occurs most often in the elderly and it affects both women and men equally.
Early Symptoms of NPH and Diagnosis
被诊断出患有NPH的患者存在三种标志性症状：平衡和步行难度；痴呆症和精神下降，包括记忆力丧失，说话难度以及情绪和/或行为的变化；和尿失禁。由于大脑的肿胀，头痛，恶心和困难也可能发生。NPH是一种进行性疾病，症状随着时间的流逝而恶化。由于这些症状类似于阿尔茨海默氏病，帕金森氏病和克鲁特兹菲尔德·贾科布氏病的症状，因此NPH难以诊断。您的医生可能会进行各种测试，包括进行身体检查，对您走路，CT或MRI扫描的评估，脊柱水龙头或腰导导管，颅内压监测以及神经心理学测试，所有这些都可以排除其他条件。
治疗
治疗for NPH involves placing a shunt in the brain to drain excess CSF into the abdomen, where it is absorbed as part of the normal circulatory process. Drainage by shunt allows the ventricles to return to their normal size. Early diagnosis and treatment improves the chances that shunt placement will result in a good recovery.
The Face Pain and Headache Clinic at UTHealth Neurosciences brings together a multidisciplinary team of board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeons, neurologists, researchers, and pain management specialists who work together to provide relief for even the most complex problems. People who suffer from migraine, cluster headache, trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, normal pressure hydrocephalus, pineal cyst, and other disorders benefit from collaborative, highly specialized expertise focused on managing chronic headaches and face pain.
What You Can Expect at UTHealth Neurosciences
At UTHealth Neurosciences, neurologists, neurosurgeons, interventional pain management specialists, neuro-oncologists, radiation oncologists, and neuropathologists work together to determine the care each patient needs, discussing treatment options as a group. This approach saves our patients time and money and allows our specialists to share each other’s insights, leading to better treatment decision-making and outcomes.
我们first investigate options for nonsurgical treatment, including medical management, pain management, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and watchful waiting. When surgery is needed, our neurosurgeons routinely employ innovative minimally invasive techniques. Throughout the treatment process, our team works closely with the doctor who referred you to ensure a smooth transition back to your regular care plan. While you are with us, you can expect expert care, excellent communication, and genuine compassion.
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