Keywords

gait analysis, normal pressure hydrocephalus, physical therapy, ventriculoperitoneal shunt

 

Authors

  1. Warnecke, Katherine L. PT, DPT

Abstract

Use of ventriculoperitoneal shunting for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus has raised the question of how to best screen for shunt responsiveness. Gait analysis in conjunction with external lumbar drainage or lumbar tap test (LTT) is used in screening, but research and consensus on how to best evaluate gait is lacking. The subject of this case report was a 78-year-old woman undergoing LTT for shunt screening. Utilization of an evidence-based gait analysis by a physical therapist was effective at demonstrating quantitative change after LTT.