Concussions and Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: Is there a correlation?

Abstract

Abstract Background. Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) is an adult-onset communicating hydrocephalus characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid. Idiopathic NPH (iNPH) is often underdiagnosed, and clear causes are not identified. Few studies have explored the potential link between iNPH and concussions despite that these entities share many pathophysiological traits. Methods. 56 consecutive iNPH patients were assessed by means of the Ohio State University TBI-ID and Brain Injury Screening Questionnaire designed by the Icahn School of Medicine and were compared to 40 patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and 40 healthy controls (HC). Results. 76.8% of iNPH patients reported at least one minor head trauma throughout their lifetime when compared to 47.5% and 25.0% of patients diagnosed with PD and HC, respectively. Conclusions. Our findings indicate a possible association between TBI/concussion and iNPH, an association that warrants further investigation.