Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a condition that occurs when there is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain. This can cause symptoms such as difficulty walking, urinary incontinence, and cognitive impairment.
Synonyms for NPH include:
- Hydrocephalus ex-vacuo: This refers to the enlargement of the ventricles that occurs when there is loss of brain tissue.
- Communicating hydrocephalus: This refers to the accumulation of CSF in the ventricles due to a disturbance in its absorption into the bloodstream.
- Chronic hydrocephalus: This refers to a long-standing accumulation of CSF in the ventricles.
- Wet brain syndrome: This term is sometimes used to describe NPH due to its characteristic symptoms of incontinence and cognitive impairment. However, it is not a medically recognized term and is considered outdated and inappropriate.