An Interdisciplinary Protocol for Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Patient Selection in Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Background Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) can be treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement, but no broadly implemented indication for VPS exists. Methods Our protocol consists of physical therapy and occupational therapy practitioners administering validated tests of gait, balance, and cognition before and after lumbar drain (LD) placement. Specific tests include: Timed “Up & Go”, Tinetti Gait and Balance Assessment, Berg Balance Scale, Mini Mental Status Exam, Trail Making Test Part B, and the Rey Auditory and Visual Learning Test. Minimal clinically important difference values for each test were determined from literature review. A retrospective review of patients treated under this protocol was performed. The primary outcomes were candidacy for VPS based on the protocol and patient-reported symptomatic improvement after VPS placement. Results 48/75 (64%) patients received VPS. 43/48 (89.6%) of those shunted reported improved symptoms at 6 week follow up. However, 10/22 (45.5%) reported worsening symptoms at 1 year follow up. The mean Tinetti score significantly increased after LD in patients who improved with VPS compared to the no shunt group (4.27 vs -0.48, p<0.001). 6/33 (18%) patients with post-op imaging had a subdural fluid collection identified and 3/49 (6%) had other complications, including 1 seizure, 1 intracerebral hemorrhage, and 1 stroke. Conclusions Standardized assessment of gait, balance, and cognition before and after temporary CSF diversion identifies patients with NPH likely to benefit from VPS placement with a low complication rate. One year after VPS, approximately half of patients had symptoms recur.