Normal pressure hydrocephalus
MONDO:0009366A form of compensated hydrocephalus characterized clinically by a slowly progressive gait disorder (see gait disorders, neurologic), progressive intellectual decline, and urinary incontinence. Spinal fluid pressure tends to be in the high normal range. This condition may result from processes which interfere with the absorption of csf including subarachnoid hemorrhage, chronic meningitis, and other conditions. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp631-3)
Also known as: NPH, chronic adult hydrocephalus, hydrocephalus, normal pressure, 1, hydrocephalus, normal-pressure
37 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types, 35 tagged with Normal pressure hydrocephalus itself.
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Brain shunt surgery put to the test in Placebo-Controlled trial
Disease control CompletedThis study tests whether a brain shunt—a device that drains extra fluid—can improve walking and thinking in older adults with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). One hundred participants will either receive an active shunt or a placebo procedure. The main goal is to …
Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Aug 29, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Can a Brain-Zapping device restore steady steps and sharp thinking?
Symptom relief CompletedThis trial is testing a device called Neuclare, which stimulates the brain, to see if it can improve walking and thinking in people with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH), a condition that causes gait problems, memory issues, and sometimes incontinence. The study wi…
Sponsor: Deepsonbio • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Aug 26, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Can a simple drug help people with fluid on the brain walk better?
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether the drug acetazolamide can improve walking in people with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition where excess fluid in the brain causes trouble walking, thinking, and bladder control. Fifty adults with NPH were randomly assigned to receive eith…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: Uppsala University Hospital • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:29 UTC
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Brain drain: can shunt surgery reverse cognitive decline and frailty?
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study follows people with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) who are already scheduled for shunt surgery. Researchers measure changes in thinking skills and frailty one year after the procedure to identify which patients are most likely to improve. The goal is t…
Sponsor: Oslo University Hospital • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Sep 10, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Scientists watch anesthetics crystallize in spinal fluid
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis lab study uses leftover spinal fluid from 10 patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus to see if common numbing medicines form crystals. Researchers mix different drugs and watch for crystals over 60 minutes. The goal is to understand risks, not to treat patients directly.
Sponsor: Medical University Innsbruck • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Aug 27, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Can a Flow-Sensitive MRI unlock the secrets of a treatable brain condition?
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study explores whether a special type of MRI called flow MRI can improve the diagnosis and management of normal pressure hydrocephalus, a condition where excess fluid builds up in the brain's cavities. Researchers will measure how cerebrospinal fluid and blood move through t…
Sponsor: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:06 UTC
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New MRI method could spot reversible dementia more accurately
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at 75 older adults with suspected normal pressure hydrocephalus, a condition that can cause a reversible form of dementia. Researchers used a combination of fluid infusion tests and special MRI scans to better understand how brain fluid and pressure interact. Th…
Sponsor: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:05 UTC
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New study aims to take the guesswork out of brain surgery for walking problems
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at 70 people with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH), a condition that causes walking problems, memory loss, and bladder control issues. The goal was to find better ways to predict which patients would benefit from a surgery that drains extra fluid …
Sponsor: University of Zurich • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:26 UTC
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Brain MRI may predict who benefits from hydrocephalus surgery
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed observational study looked at 29 people with suspected normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition where fluid builds up in the brain. Researchers used a special MRI technique called DTI-ALPS to measure the function of the brain's waste-clearing 'glymphatic sy…
Sponsor: Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:04 UTC
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Scientists dive into spinal fluid to unlock brain disease clues
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at proteins in the spinal fluid of 100 people with symptoms of normal pressure hydrocephalus, such as trouble walking, memory loss, and bladder control issues. Researchers used a new method to analyze the fluid and compared results with walking tests and brain s…
Sponsor: University Hospital, Toulouse • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:04 UTC
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MRI may replace spinal tap for predicting surgery success
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested whether a special MRI scan (flow MRI) can predict how well patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus will respond to surgery. Currently, doctors use a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to make this prediction. The study enrolled 30 adults and measured cerebrospinal…
Early phase 1 • Sponsor: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 19:13 UTC