Hydrocephalus / Shunts · scheduled consultation
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus & IIH
Evaluation for gait, cognition, bladder symptoms, ventricular enlargement, or intracranial-pressure questions that require careful clinical and imaging correlation.
When consultation may help
Bring the concern into focus.
Symptoms, imaging, prior care, function, and goals are organized into one clear clinical question.
Cognitive or bladder changes with enlarged ventricles
↗Idiopathic intracranial hypertension or prior pressure workup
↗Questions about testing, drainage trials, or shunt candidacy
↗Prepare for the review
Bring the evidence—not only the label.
Brain MRI and CT images
Neurology, ophthalmology, lumbar puncture, and hospital records
Formal cognitive or gait testing when available
A timeline of functional change and prior interventions
How this concern is approached.
These diagnoses require more than one symptom or scan. The review integrates pattern, examination, imaging, prior testing, and likely benefit before an invasive step is considered.
Understand the decision
The details that shape the plan.
Why distinguish NPH from IIH?
Normal pressure hydrocephalus and idiopathic intracranial hypertension are different conditions. NPH commonly involves changes in walking, thinking and bladder control. IIH involves elevated pressure around the brain and can threaten vision. Their evaluations and treatment decisions differ.
What other evaluations may matter?
For suspected IIH, eye examinations and visual testing help assess the risk to vision. Bring those records along with imaging and prior pressure-testing results. New vision loss requires urgent medical assessment.
What should a procedure discussion answer?
Ask what diagnosis is supported, what benefit is expected and how that benefit will be assessed. Not everyone with an enlarged fluid space or headache will benefit from a shunt. Clarify what additional evaluation is needed before an invasive step.
A disciplined visit
Listen. Review. Explain. Plan.
Listen
Clarify symptoms, timing, prior care, health history, daily impact, and goals.
Review
Place actual imaging, reports, comparison studies, and records in clinical context.
Explain
Translate the finding, real uncertainty, and reasonable options into plain language.
Plan
Define who owns testing, follow-up, referral, conservative care, or surgery when appropriate.
Leadership behind the care
Clinical focus. Operational discipline.
Dr. Stacey E. Podkovik
Dr. Podkovik leads neurosurgical evaluation across brain and spine concerns, connecting symptoms, imaging, prior care, and patient goals into a careful clinical interpretation and practical next step.
Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA
Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, supports the practice through physician-led management, care coordination, and reliable systems. Dr. Stacey Podkovik leads neurosurgical evaluation and treatment.
When symptoms should not wait.
Sudden vision loss, seizure, loss of consciousness, rapidly worsening neurologic symptoms, or severe acute headache requires emergency evaluation.
Sources behind this overview
Patient education from established clinical organizations.
These links support the general educational overview. They do not replace a clinician’s interpretation of an individual history, examination, or imaging.
Continue exploring
Every pathway stays connected.
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General educational information only. This page does not replace a medical evaluation. Calling the office, using the navigator, or reading this page does not establish a physician-patient relationship. The Care Navigator is scripted and does not diagnose or triage.