Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Study Group

Goals

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) is a still obscure condition, relatively frequent but historically not addressed by Movement Disorders (MDS) publications or conferences. Most patients with NPH present with gait disorders at onset (often in isolation) and often the differential diagnosis includes Parkinson's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy or higher level gait disorders caused by vascular brain diseases. Recently, the pathophysiology and real existence of NPH has been questioned, thus starting a debate among NPH experts and movement disorders neurologists. For these reasons the time has come for the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS) to establish a study group on NPH.

Unmet Needs

• Lack of standardized assessments to inform diagnosis and differential diagnosis (e.g. gold standard for procedures such as transient CSF shunting – tap tests or external lumbar drainage, neuroimaging, gait analysis, etc.)
• Lack of collaborative research efforts
• Lack of defined research goals (e.g. role of CSF biomarkers, surgical outcome predictors, pathological findings, double-blind clinical trials)
• Lack of communication between IPDMDS and other societies
   

The study group will function as a ‘round table’ for neurologists with interest in phenomenology (particularly gait and balance), neuropsychologists, neurosurgeons as well as scientists involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Particular attention will be given to aspects related to our field of movement disorders, such type of freezing of gait displayed by NPH patients, clinical and pathophysiological meaning of L-dopa responsiveness or abnormal dopamine imaging. The study group is open to considering new members interested in NPH.