An Interdisciplinary Protocol for Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Patient Selection in Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.

Background: Normal pressure hydrocephalus can be treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement, but no broadly implemented indication for VPS exists.

Methods: Our protocol consists of physical therapy and occupational therapy practitioners administering validated tests of gait, balance, and cognition before and after lumbar drain placement. Specific tests include: Timed "Up & Go", Tinetti Gait and Balance Assessment, Berg Balance Scale, Mini Mental Status Exam, Trail Making Test Part B, and the Rey Auditory and Visual Learning Test.