A Randomized Trial of Shunting for Idiopathic Normal-Pressure Hydrocephalus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus is a neurologic disorder characterized by impaired gait, balance, cognition, and bladder control in older adults. The disorder is treated with shunt surgery, but the effectiveness of shunting is unclear.

Methods

We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving participants selected for shunt surgery on the basis of gait-velocity improvement with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage. Participants were randomly assigned to an open-shunt valve setting (opening pressure, 110 mm of water) or a placebo valve setting (opening pressure, >400 mm of water) of a noninvasively adjustable shunt. The primary outcome was the change in gait velocity 3 months after surgery. Secondary outcomes were the change at 3 mo

SUBMITTER: Luciano MG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12682072 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature