Abstract
We evaluated usefulness of continuous spinal drainage for surgical indication of the patients with idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). Eighteen patients had been suspected iNPH between June 2003 and March 2005. After continuous spinal drainage (CSD) for the three days, we evaluated the alteration of the symptoms for the surgical indication. CSD was performed in 15 patients and 8 patients of them showed improvement and were underwent ventricular peritoneal shunt (VP shunt). Three patients were unable to perform CSD, but all 3 patients were performed VP shunt with their families' demand. Of 11 patients who were performed VP shunt, 5 showed excellent improvement, 5 showed good improvement and a patient didn't changed. Quantitive evaluation of gait disturbance and dementia, careful observation and, the impression of the patients and their families after CSD were important to make decision and their easy acceptance of the surgery. CSD is useful test for surgical indication. For the patients with spinal canal stenosis or restlessness, CSD should be performed carefully and tap test might be better.
