Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Treatment in Turkey
About Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Key Highlights
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Can dramatically improve walking, balance, and mobility.Often leads to significant recovery of bladder control, reducing incontinence.May reverse or stabilize cognitive decline and improve mental clarity.Offers a potential cure for symptoms of idiopathic NPH when medical management fails.Involves a programmable shunt valve that can be non-invasively adjusted for optimal fluid drainage.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus confirmed by clinical evaluation and imaging (CT/MRI).
- Presence of the classic symptom triad: gait apraxia (shuffling, magnetic gait), urinary urgency/incontinence, and cognitive impairment (slowed thinking, forgetfulness).
- Positive response to a diagnostic CSF tap test (large-volume lumbar puncture), where temporary removal of CSF leads to measurable improvement in gait or cognition.
- Exclusion of other causes of dementia or gait disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or spinal stenosis.
- Failure to respond to conservative management approaches.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive neurological and physical examination to confirm NPH diagnosis and surgical candidacy.
- Pre-operative imaging, typically a brain MRI or CT scan, to assess ventricle size and rule out other pathologies.
- A diagnostic lumbar puncture (spinal tap) or extended lumbar drainage to test for symptom improvement.
- Complete blood work, ECG, and chest X-ray to ensure fitness for anesthesia and surgery.
- Discussion with the neurosurgeon about the procedure, risks, benefits, and setting expectations for recovery.
- Discontinuation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) as advised by the medical team.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the scheduled surgery.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection of the shunt system, which may require antibiotic treatment or surgical revision.
- Shunt malfunction due to blockage, disconnection, or under-drainage/over-drainage of CSF.
- Bleeding (intracerebral hemorrhage) during catheter placement.
- Seizures, although uncommon.
- Abdominal complications such as pain, fluid collection, or bowel perforation (rare).
- Subdural hematoma from over-drainage of CSF, especially in elderly patients.
- General risks associated with anesthesia and surgery.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay of 2-4 days for monitoring of neurological status and shunt function.
- Incision sites on the head and abdomen must be kept clean and dry to prevent infection.
- Pain at the surgical sites is managed with prescribed medications.
- Gradual increase in physical activity; physical therapy is often recommended to improve gait and strength.
- Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor recovery and adjust the shunt's programmable valve if needed.
- Patients and caregivers are educated to watch for signs of shunt malfunction (e.g., headache, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, return of original symptoms) or infection (fever, redness along the shunt tract).
- Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several weeks as advised by the surgeon.
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Typical hospital stay:
2-4 days
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Expected recovery time:
4-6 weeks for initial recovery; full assessment of symptom improvement may take several months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering normal pressure hydrocephalus in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for normal pressure hydrocephalus in Turkey include Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir, Liv Hospital Ankara, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform normal pressure hydrocephalus. MediFyr helps you compare neurosurgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for normal pressure hydrocephalus compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 2,753 – USD 6,607 | 2-4 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; full assessment of symptom improvement may take several months | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 20,489 – USD 49,174 | 2-4 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; full assessment of symptom improvement may take several months | Know More |
Top hospitals for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing normal pressure hydrocephalus.
Istanbul, Turkey
38 Doctors
Diya Nair, a 72-year-old retired librarian,...
Diya Nair, a 72-year-old retired librarian, had always been sharp and independent. Over the past year, her daughter noticed a troubling change. Diya's once brisk walk had become a slow, shuffling gait, and she seemed to struggle with balance. She was also becoming forgetful, misplacing her glasses and forgetting appointments, which she dismissed as 'senior moments.' The most heartbreaking symptom was a new urinary incontinence, which deeply embarrassed the proud woman. Her primary care physician, suspecting more than normal aging, referred her to a neurosurgeon, Dr. Kapoor. After reviewing an MRI showing enlarged ventricles and conducting a spinal tap that temporarily improved her symptoms, Dr. Kapoor diagnosed Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). He recommended a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt surgery to drain the excess cerebrospinal fluid. Diya was terrified of brain surgery but agreed, clinging to the hope of regaining her independence. The procedure went smoothly. The recovery in the hospital was challenging, with headaches and fatigue, but within weeks, a miracle unfolded. Her walking became steadier, her mind clearer. The incontinence resolved. Six months post-op, Diya is back to her book club and walking in the park. Emotionally, she journeyed from fear and humiliation at her declining abilities to profound gratitude and a fierce determination to enjoy her reclaimed life.
Neurosurgeons for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform normal pressure hydrocephalus and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.
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