MMW Fortschritte der Medizin
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Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), which may either be idiopathic or occur secondarily, is responsible for approximately 6% of the cases of dementional syndromes in the elderly. Although its diagnosis still remains a problem, every attempt should be made to identify patients with clinical symptoms arising from NPH, since the placement of a shunt can result in a much improved quality of life. Candidates for surgical treatment must be selected with care, since the transient peri-operative morbidity may be as high as 7%.
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Both in acute and chronic, unspecific back pain, the myofascial pain syndrome resulting in muscular dysbalance is a major factor. For the differential diagnosis, however, consideration must always be given to concomitant symptoms (neurological deficits, general symptoms, signs of osteopathy). ⋯ As medication, non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, non-opioid analgesics, opioid analgesics, muscle relaxants and antidepressives are available, and are dose-matched to the severity and stage of the condition. The spectrum of therapeutic options is outlined.