Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) is a condition that could easily be mistaken for the ravages of old age, yet it is treatable. Getting a prompt diagnosis helps improve chances of a good outcome. Listen to learn all about it.
Billy Joel’s Announcement
Billy Joel recently had to cancel the rest of his tour following a recent diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). So what is NPH? Stay tuned to learn.
In this Episode:
- 01:42 – Billy Joel’s Illness Announcement
- 03:54 – Road Trip to Georgia: Ghosts and Coca-Cola Cake
- 08:28 – What is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)?
- 11:19 – The Trifecta of NPH symptoms
- 13:35 – How NPH is Diagnosed
- 14:18 – How NPH is Treated
- 20:43 – Hope is Quieter than Fear – by John Roedel
What is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)?
NPH is a condition is a brain condition caused by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain’s ventricles, which enlarge and can compress surrounding brain tissue. (Hydro=water, cephalus=head) This pressure on the brain causes the symptoms such as gait disturbances, dementia-like cognitive changes, and urinary incontinence.
Despite the excess fluid, the CSF pressure measured in NPH is typically normal, hence the name “normal pressure” hydrocephalus.
Typical Symptoms of NPH:
Dizziness, confusion, and incontinence of urine are the trifecta of symptoms considered to be the hallmark of this disease. These symptoms are often dismissed as part of aging, but it’s important for patients with these symptoms to get worked up for the cause.
Additionally you may observe:
- General unsteadiness and loss of balance. People typically have an abnormally slow, unsteady, wide-legged walk. The feet may seem to stick to the floor (called a magnetic gait).
- Forgetfulness, confusion, and dementia. Dementia may not develop until late in the disorder.
- Mood changes or depression
- Difficulty responding to questions
How is NPS Treated?
Who is at increased risk for normal pressure hydrocephalus?
Normal pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) effects 5% of elders over age 60 but more typically seen between the ages of 70 and 80 years old.
Additional risk factors are:
- a brain infection
- had a head injury
- brain tumor
- undergone brain surgery
- bleeding or infection in the brain
- often the cause is no known
Hope is Quieter than Fear
Charlie read a beautiful poem by John Roedel about the quiet presence of hope. Visit John’s page for more of his work.
Recipe of the Week
This week we travel to Georgia, home of haunted cemeteries and Coca-Cola. So why not have a Coca-Cola cake and enjoy the unique flavors the beverage imparts? You can get this recipe as well as other Georgia staples at The Little Black Skillet.
Related Podcasts:
References:
- Haunted Guide to Colonial Park Cemetery
- Billy Joel insists he’s ‘not dying’ after brain disorder diagnosis, Howard Stern says
- Life Expectancy With Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus In Elderly – Statcare
- Normal–Pressure Hydrocephalus – Brain, Spinal Cord, and Nerve Disorders – MSD Manual Consumer Version
- Hope is quieter than fear
- Hydrocephalus | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- What is normal pressure hydrocephalus? All about Billy Joel’s brain condition
Resources:
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, Explained
https://blog.feedspot.com/palliative_care_podcasts/
Everyone Dies: and yes, it is normal!
Everyone Dies (and yes, it is normal) is a story about a young boy named Jax who finds something special on the beach where he and his grandpa Pops are enjoying a wonderful day. Pops helps Jax understand that death is a normal part of life. This book provides an age appropriate, non-scary, comfortable way to introduce the important topic of mortality to a preschool child. Its simple explanation will last a lifetime. Autographed copies for sale at: www.everyonediesthebook.com. Also available at Amazon
Mourning Jewelry
We offer a way to memorialize your loved one or treasured pet with a piece of handmade jewelry. When people comment on it and the wearer can say for example “I received this when my mother died” which opens the conversation about this loss. All our jewelry is made with semi-precious stones and beads, vintage beads, and pearls. You can choose between earrings or bracelets and the color family. Learn More
