NPH and Rehabilitation Services
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Undergoing surgery is a critical first step to regaining functionality lost to normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), but it may not be the whole solution. After surgery, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation strategies may be advised to help you or your loved one attain as much resolution of symptoms as possible.
What You Need to Know
Recovering and Maintaining Functionality
Symptom improvement after shunt surgery to treat NPH is impacted by a number of variables. It’s estimated that more than 80% of those properly diagnosed with NPH and screened for shunt responsiveness will experience rapid improvement in their condition, although it may take weeks or months to see the full benefits of the procedure. After surgery, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation strategies may be advised to help you or your loved one attain as much resolution of symptoms as possible.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation needs in NPH
Rehab encompasses more than PT and OT. Physicians who specialize in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, also known as Physiatry, can play a crucial role in the care of patients with hydrocephalus, including direction of acute rehabilitation needs to management of chronic problems. This session will describe how Physiatrists look at impairments caused by disease and use a team approach to focus on functional restoration.
PT Tips for NPH Patients
By the time Trish was diagnosed with NPH and had shunt surgery, she had lost her ability to walk unaided, so her neurosurgeon gave her a prescription for physical therapy.
Cognitive Therapy for NPH Patients
If you have Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) you might find Cognitive Therapy useful. Trish Bogucki explains what it consists of and shares some tips for others who might be in the same boat she was in.
Cognitive Therapy and NPH
Do you experience ongoing memory issues even after shunt surgery? In this video, you will learn more about the benefits of cognitive therapy. Olivia Bell, M.A. CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist at The Valley Hospital, will discuss why patients with neurological conditions should seek out cognitive therapy as soon as they notice a difference in functioning.
Interview with Olivia Bell, Cognitive Therapist – Part 1
This is the first part of Trish’s interview with cognitive therapist Olivia Bell. It covers who benefits from CT, how to find a therapist, and how to get the most out of the therapy appointments.
Interview with Olivia Bell, Cognitive Therapist – Part 2
This part of the interview touches on neuropsychology, debunking some misunderstandings about cognitive therapy (CT), some advice Olivia had for NPH patients and spreading the word about CT.
Balance Therapy Tips for NPH Patients
A few months ago, Trish noticed that her balance was deteriorating so she mentioned it to her GP at her annual physical. He immediately ordered a CT scan and more Physical Therapy.