Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Centre of Excellence

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) is the abnormal build-up of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain without increased cranial pressure. There are two forms of NPH - idiopathic and secondary. Idiopathic NPH commonly affects those aged 60 and over with the cause often unknown. Secondary NPH usually results from trauma, infection or brain tumour and can affect adults of any age.

Idiopathic NPH is the most common form of hydrocephalus in adults and in many cases, the condition is reversible. Symptoms include problems with walking, reduced cognition or dementia and urinary control problems. This triad of symptoms may be an indicator of NPH. Early diagnosis and treatment improves the chance of a good recovery.

The NPH Centre of Excellence is a joint initiative between Briz Brain & Spine, QSMC and I-MED Radiology and is Queensland's premier facility for diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic NPH. It is based at the Briz Brain & Spine practice at the Bowen Hills Medical Specialist Centre.

Patients referred to the Centre will be offered an initial consultation where an individualised diagnostic and treatment process will be discussed. The referral will provide patients with access to:

• neurological assessment
• gait assessment
• imaging
• surgical treatment
• exercise rehabilitation

REFERRERS: To help us treat your patient, please fill out the online NPH Referral Form. Alternatively, referrals can be addressed to Dr Frank Tomlinson and sent via the following methods:

• Medical Objects
• Fax: 07 3833 2511
• Post: Briz Brain & Spine, Bowen Hills Medical Specialist Centre, Suite 1, 16 Thompson Street, Bowen Hills, Qld, 4006