Impact of Hypnosis for Performing Lumbar Infusion Tests

Decrease in anxiety in group 1compared to the other groups

Infusion tests are now the gold standard for the diagnosis of chronic adult hydrocephalus
 (CAH), also known as normal pressure hydrocephalus. It is an invasive procedure using the
 same approach as a lumbar puncture. Once the intrathecal puncture is performed, the
 intracranial pressure is measured in lateral decubitus via a pressure head. Dynamic tests
 (injection of 0.9% NaCl at a constant flow rate) are performed after recording the basal
 pressure. This type of test lasts 30 to 45 minutes in lateral decubitus. Patients with CAH
 have cognitive-behavioral disorders that can alter the gesture and its interpretation in case
 of movements or contractures. Movement artefacts lead to a longer recording time. The longer
 the test, the more the patients' tolerance tends to decrease. Moreover, the patient's feeling
 towards this test is important because it may have to be repeated. Pain, anxiety and patient
 comfort are essential parameters to consider. Non-medicinal techniques (hypnosis, music
 therapy) have shown a tendency to reduce anxiety in pediatric and adult populations with an
 impact on instantaneous anxiety but also on personality-related anxiety. Most studies are
 focused on specific pathologies, primarily in palliative care, or on pediatric application.
 The use of these techniques in an elderly population with mild cognitive-behavioral disorders
 has not been explored.
 
 The objective is to evaluate the impact of hypnosis on anxiety, pain and comfort during the
 lumbar infusion test.