A disease in which the volume of cerebrospinal fluid bathing the brain and spinal cord is increased. It receives the adjective normotensive because the increase in fluid is not accompanied by an increase in intracranial pressure.
The triggering cause is unknown but a higher incidence has been described in people with a history of brain aneurysm, meningitis or brain surgery.
The triad of symptoms includes reduced intellectual capacity, difficulty walking and urinary incontinence.
It is diagnosed by clinical questioning and a complete neurological examination. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis and an imaging test (computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) will be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment is aimed at removing cerebrospinal fluid from the cranial cavity. A cranial drain will be implanted with an outlet into the abdominal peritoneum.
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