Summary:
The normotensive hydrocephalus syndrome (NHS) is characterized by the presence of a clinical triad
comprising dementia, motor apraxia, sphincter complaints, along with the presence of a certain
dilatation of the ventricular system in the absence of major cortical atrophy on graphic examination.
The diagnosis of NHS must be specified by including dynamic liquor tests into the algorithm of the
examination. The lumbar infusion (LIT) test is the „gold standard“ of liquor dynamic tests. The authors
present nine years’ experience with the diagnosis of NHS by means of the LIT and its treatment by
shunt surgery. The evaluated group comprises 26 patients, 13 men and 13 women. At the time of
assessment of the diagnosis 54 % of the patients greatly depended on nursing care while after the shunt
operation only 8 % were greatly dependent. On check up of the present state 61 % patients were
classified as quite independent as compared with 4%before surgery. Attention is also paid to the graphic
finding, etiology of the disease, associated diseases, the type of the shunt system and complications of
treatment.
Key words:
normotensive hydrocephalus,lumbar infusion test, shunt surgery
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