When thought processes and control of body movement become impaired, the person is at increased risk of injury from falling. Poor control of bowel and urinary function may result in urinary tract infections and skin breakdown. There is no way to prevent normal pressure hydrocephalus. Diagnosis is based on imaging studies such as a cranial MRI , cranial CT scan , or cerebral angiogram . There are no risks to others.
Treatment involves the surgical insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt .
The shunt drains cerebrospinal fluid from the enlarged ventricles into the abdomen. Doing this helps relieve the pressure on the ventricle walls, preventing further enlargement. The ventricle may also return to a relatively normal size. Infection may occur after surgery. Occasionally, the ventriculoperitoneal shunt may not work properly.