Clinical Value of Constructional Skill Testing in Patients With Secondary Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus -Two Case Reports-

Abstract

Cognitive functions are frequently impaired in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). Two patients with NPH initially had dysfunctional constructional skill but exhibited improvements after shunt surgery. Dysfunction of constructional skill should be added to the important clinical features of NPH. The geometric test can be used as a practical tool for evaluation of parietal lobe function in patients with NPH.

Neuropsychological Changes After Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy for Long-Standing Overt Ventriculomegaly in Adults -Case Report-

“…1,3) We previously reported 2 cases of secondary NPH associated with disturbance of constructional skill, which improved markedly after shunt surgery. 7) Patients with NPH generally display dysfunction of the frontal lobe causing impaired attention, memory, and language understanding. 2,8,9) The right posterior superior temporal-parietal region processes information on global properties, whereas the corresponding left region processes information on local properties.…”

“…6,10) We previously used the RBANS to show that dysfunction of constructional skill due to impairment of parietal lobe was present in patients with secondary normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). 7) We treated a patient with LOVA by endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) with neuropsychological assessment using RBANS before, and 1 week and 3 months after surgery. We emphasize the necessity and usefulness of detailed evaluation of cognitive function when determining treatment strategies for hydrocephalic patients with normal IQ.…”