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- Billy Joel canceled all concerts after doctors found cerebrospinal fluid buildup in his brain. Here’s what that means. (businessinsider.com)
Singer Billy Joel, 76, has announced the cancellation of his remaining tour dates due to a recent diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). The announcement follows earlier postponements of several performances due to health concerns.
In a statement on social media, Joel revealed the diagnosis, describing NPH as a rare brain disorder affecting hearing, vision, and balance. His physician has recommended a course of physical therapy and a break from performing to facilitate recovery.
NPH involves the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles, placing pressure on brain tissue and potentially causing damage if left untreated. While the condition’s name suggests normal cerebrospinal fluid pressure, this refers to standard spinal tap measurements, which can be misleading. Diagnosis often involves physical and neurological examinations, imaging scans (MRIs and CTs), and spinal taps to differentiate NPH from other conditions like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
The disorder is more prevalent in individuals over 60. While the cause of primary NPH, representing half of all cases, remains unknown, secondary NPH can result from conditions such as stroke, brain aneurysms, tumors, or traumatic brain injuries. Symptoms can include difficulties with walking, balance, vision, memory, hearing, mood regulation, and bladder control.
Fortunately, NPH is often treatable and even reversible. A common treatment involves surgically implanting a shunt to drain excess fluid from the brain to another area of the body, such as the abdomen.