ORIGINAL ARTICLE   

Journal of Neurosurgical Sciences 2024 Jul 09

DOI: 10.23736/S0390-5616.24.06257-X

Copyright © 2024 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

lingua: Inglese

Normal pressure hydrocephalus does not matter: an Italian perspective

Graziano TADDEI ¹ ✉, Giuseppe DEMICHELE ², Marco FAILLA MULONE ³, Mariasole GAGLIANO ³, Alessandro PESCE ¹, Silvia CIARLO ¹, Edvige IABONI ⁴, Angelo POMPUCCI ¹, Gianpaolo PETRELLA ¹

¹ Department of Neurosurgery, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Latina, Italy; ² School of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy; ³ School of Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy; ⁴ Department of Neurosurgery, University of Messina, Messina, Italy

BACKGROUND: Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a reversible condition characterized by gait disturbance, dementia, and urinary incontinence. Despite being underdiagnosed, surgical treatment can significantly improve symptoms. Previous studies have shown a lack of awareness of NPH among physicians, prompting further investigation into its recognition.
METHODS: A survey was conducted among Italian physicians to assess their awareness of NPH. A 9-point questionnaire was anonymously distributed online to physicians registered with Medical Boards in Italy. Data analysis focused on responses related to NPH knowledge and exposure.
RESULTS: Out of 103 Medical Boards invited, 42 participated, potentially reaching 145,788 physicians. Analysis of 547 valid responses revealed varying levels of awareness across specialties. Neurologists showed higher awareness, but overall exposure to NPH cases in clinical practice was limited.
CONCLUSIONS: The survey highlighted a lack of interest and awareness of NPH among Italian physicians. Recommendations were made to enhance recognition, especially among Family Practitioners and Neurologists. Continuous education efforts are crucial to improve early diagnosis and management of NPH. Efforts by medical boards and specialty societies are needed to increase awareness and ensure timely intervention for NPH patients.

KEY WORDS: Hydrocephalus, normal pressure; Dementia; Cognitive dysfunction; Public health