Triad of normal-pressure hydrocephalus includes –
**Core Concept**
Normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a clinical syndrome characterized by the triad of gait disturbance, dementia, and urinary incontinence. It is often associated with impaired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) absorption, leading to increased intracranial pressure.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The triad of NPH is a result of the impaired CSF absorption, which leads to the accumulation of CSF in the ventricles. This causes an increase in ventricular size, which in turn compresses the surrounding brain tissue, leading to the symptoms of NPH. The gait disturbance is thought to be due to the compression of the frontal lobe, the dementia is due to the compression of the temporal lobe, and the urinary incontinence is due to the compression of the frontal lobe and the disruption of the normal micturition reflex.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Gait disturbance, seizures, and hemiparesis are not the classic triad of NPH. While seizures and hemiparesis can occur in NPH, they are not a part of the classic triad.
* **Option B:** Gait disturbance, dementia, and visual disturbances are not the classic triad of NPH. Visual disturbances can occur in NPH, but they are not a part of the classic triad.
* **Option C:** Gait disturbance, dementia, and ataxia are not the classic triad of NPH. Ataxia can occur in NPH, but it is not a part of the classic triad.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The classic triad of NPH is a result of the impaired CSF absorption, which leads to the accumulation of CSF in the ventricles, causing compression of the surrounding brain tissue. It is essential to diagnose and treat NPH early to prevent further brain damage.
**Correct Answer:** C. Gait disturbance, dementia, and ataxia are not the correct answer. The correct answer is actually Gait disturbance, Dementia, and Urinary incontinence.