Background: Since the condition was first described in 1965, the syndrome of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) has conventionally been managed by placement of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt.
Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of shunting procedures in promoting stability or improvement in the neurological symptoms and signs of NPH.
Search strategy: The trials were identified from a search of the Specialized Register of the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group on 26 June 2001 using the terms 'shunt*' and 'normal pressure hydrocephalus'.
Selection criteria: Studies included for analysis were those involving the placement of a CSF shunt for the treatment of NPH as part of a randomized controlled trial.
Data collection and analysis: No data matching the selection criteria were found.
Main results: No randomized controlled trials of shunt placement versus no shunt were found.
Reviewer's conclusions: There is no evidence to indicate whether placement of a shunt is effective in the management of NPH.