Accurate diagnosis and effective shunt surgery for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus — improving walking, memory, and bladder control for patients across Kerala.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulates in the brain's ventricles, enlarging them and putting pressure on surrounding brain tissue. Unlike other forms of hydrocephalus, the pressure is only mildly elevated — which is why it is often missed or mistaken for Parkinson's disease or dementia.
Dr. Ganesh V.L provides expert NPH diagnosis and shunt surgery in Kochi, helping patients from Ernakulam, Kottayam, and across Kerala regain their walking ability, memory, and bladder control.
NPH has a classic triad of symptoms. Think of it as a 'wet, wacky, wobbly' condition. See a neurosurgeon in Kochi if you or a family member has:
If you or a family member experiences any of these symptoms, please bring your MRI or CT scan to your first appointment for a same-day assessment.
NPH is treatable but commonly mistaken for dementia or Parkinson’s. If walking and memory have changed together, bring the latest MRI scan — Dr. Ganesh V.L can confirm NPH with a simple CSF tap test.
Book ConsultationNPH is highly treatable with the right procedure. Dr. Ganesh V.L performs shunt surgery — a well-established technique with excellent results for the right patients.
A thin silicone tube is placed in the brain's ventricle and tunnelled under the skin to the abdomen, where excess CSF drains safely. A small valve controls the flow. This is the most common and effective treatment for NPH. Many patients show significant improvement in walking and memory within weeks.
Before permanent shunt surgery, a large-volume CSF tap (30–50 ml) is done by lumbar puncture. If walking improves significantly in the next 24–48 hours, it confirms that shunt surgery will work well for that patient.
In patients where abdominal shunting is not suitable, the shunt tubing is directed to the heart's right atrium instead. Less commonly used than VP shunt, but equally effective when appropriate.
An alternative to shunting in select cases. A small hole is made in the floor of the third ventricle to create a new path for CSF flow, bypassing the need for a permanent implant.
Frequently asked questions about NPH diagnosis, shunt surgery, recovery, and access to a specialist in Kochi.
Ask Dr. GaneshBook a consultation today and take the first step towards expert, compassionate neurological care.