Prospective quantitative kinematic assessment of patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus

This is a prospective study aimed at quantifying walking and balance in normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) patients in the clinical setting. To accomplish this, we will use a portable motion capture system that is widely used to study biomechanics in humans. Once quantified, we want to test the effects of ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) on walking and balance among NPH patients. Thus, our objectives are: Aim 1: We will demonstrate the use of quantitative kinematic data on NPH patients pre-lumbar drain, post-lumbar drain and post-VPS in order to assess the predictive value of CSF removal on gait and balance. Aim 2: We will demonstrate the use of objective, neuropsychological data on NPH patients pre-lumbar drain, post-lumbar drain and post-VPS in order to assess the predictive value of CSF removal on cognition 3. We will demonstrate the use of objective, physical therapy data on NPH patients pre-lumbar drain, post-lumbar drain and post-VPS in order to assess the predictive value of CSF removal on therapeutic intervention in terms of walking and balance measures.