Case Report

Polyneuropathy Complicating the Diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: Case Report and Review of Literature

Authors: Jagdish S. Nachnani, MD, Alan R. Salkind, MD

Abstract

Polyneuropathy is a rare association of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and may complicate the diagnosis of both diseases. We describe a patient with NPH who presented with acute polyneuropathy. The patient was initially thought to have Guillain-Barré disease (GBS). Early consideration of NPH in patients presenting with acute polyneuropathy could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of NPH.


Key points:


* Acute polyneuropathy is a rare association of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and may complicate the diagnosis in these patients.


* Early consideration of NPH in patients presenting with acute polyneuropathy could result in earlier diagnosis and treatment of NPH.

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

1. Verrees M, Selman WR. Management of normal pressure hydrocephalus. Am Fam Physician2004;70:1071–1078.
 
2. Ishikawa M. Guideline Committee for Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, Japanese Society of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: clinical guidelines for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo) 2004;44:222–223.
 
3. Tisell M, Tullberg M, Hellstrom P, et al. Neurological symptoms and signs in adult aqueductal stenosis. Acta Neurol Scand 2003;107:311–315.
 
4. Fishman RA, Dillon WP. Normal pressure hydrocephalus: new findings and old questions. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2001;22:1640–1641.
 
5. Kereschi S, Soria E, Schlagenhauff RE. Normal pressure hydrocephalus; associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome. N Y State J Med 1981;81:1361–1363.
 
6. Kahlon B, Sundbarg G, Rehncrona S. Comparison between the lumbar infusion and CSF tap tests to predict outcome after shunt surgery in suspected normal pressure hydrocephalus. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2002;73:721–726.
 
7. Duinkerke A, Williams MA, Rigamonti D, et al. Cognitive recovery in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus after shunt.  |  | Cogn Behav Neurol 2004;17:179–184.