Billy Joel diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus: What to know about NPH brain disorder
Share this @internewscast.com

Billy Joel has called off all his upcoming concerts because of a health issue that has been recently identified, as announced by the iconic musician on Instagram.

On Friday, a statement shared on his Instagram revealed he was recently diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a type of hydrocephalus, characterized by an “unusual collection of cerebrospinal fluid deep within the brain,” according to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, occupies the ventricles, the spaces in the brain, providing cushioning for both the brain and the spinal cord. When CSF flow is hindered and accumulates in the ventricles, it results in normal pressure hydrocephalus, as per NINDS.

The extra fluid in the brain can cause pressure and lead to brain damage, as well as issues with walking, bladder control and thinking and reasoning, according to the NINDS.

Though it can happen at any age, normal pressure hydrocephalus is most common in older adults. It is most often diagnosed through a combination of neurological testing and brain imaging.

Billy Joel poses after announcing his Madison Square Garden residency to end after July 2024 at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, June 1, 2023, in New York.

Billy Joel poses after announcing his Madison Square Garden residency to end after July 2024 at Madison Square Garden on Thursday, June 1, 2023, in New York.

Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

The best chance of recovery from normal pressure hydrocephalus comes if it is diagnosed early and treated properly.

The most common treatment for normal pressure hydrocephalus, according to the NINDS, is surgery.

In one option, doctors insert a shunt into the brain, which connects to another tube under the skin to help drain the excess fluid from the brain. With this option, regular monitoring of the shunt is required, and additional surgeries and repairs may be needed.

A second surgical option for normal pressure hydrocephalus is endoscopic third ventriculostomy, or EVT, where a doctor makes a hole at the bottom of the third ventricle in the brain, which allows fluid to flow to relieve the pressure, according to the NINDS.

Copyright © 2025 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
poison ivy

Unsure if You’re Allergic to Poison Ivy? Think Again

(NEXSTAR) – You might have avoided the infamous rashes linked to poison…
The Latest: Trump to discuss trade with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland

Latest Update: Trump to Hold Trade Talks with UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland

President Donald Trump is currently in Scotland for a meeting with British…
At least 3 people shot within an hour in separate bloody incidents at NYC Dominican Day Parade: sources

Three People Shot in Separate Incidents During NYC Dominican Day Parade: Sources

Police and sources reported that at least three individuals were injured in…
South Chicago crime: Chicago Police Department issues warning about armed robbery incidents in South Side neighborhood

South Chicago Crime Update: Police Alert Residents About Armed Robberies in South Side Neighborhood

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago police are warning South Side residents about a…
Federal agents 'stormed the cockpit,' removed Delta co-pilot after flight landed at San Francisco International Airport

Federal Agents Enter Cockpit, Remove Delta Co-Pilot Following Flight’s Arrival at San Francisco Airport

SAN FRANCISCO — A routine Delta flight turned anything but ordinary after…
BREAKING: Leading Israeli Rights Groups Accuse Israel of Gaza Genocide

Israeli Human Rights Organizations Accuse Israel of Genocide in Gaza

Two of Israel’s most prominent human rights organizations, B’Tselem and Physicians for…
Jet plane flying low over a crowded beach.

Frightening Scene as Tourists Shout While Fighter Jet Performs Daring Low Flights and Aerobatics above Spanish Beach

THIS is the terrifying moment tourists screamed in horror as a fighter…
Police identify multiple suspects in brutal Cincinnati street fight: 'Cruel and absolutely unacceptable'

Cincinnati Street Brawl: Police Name Several Suspects, Call Incident ‘Vicious and Entirely Unacceptable’

Authorities have identified at least four suspects in a violent brawl that…
Donald Trump playing golf.

Comical Scene as Donald Trump’s Golf Caddie Discreetly Places Ball in Ideal Location Ahead of His Shot

THIS is the hilarious moment Donald Trump’s golf caddy appears to drop…

Emotional Ryanair Passenger Upset Over Hand Luggage Size Restriction at Boarding

THIS is the shocking moment a female Ryanair passenger was left sobbing…
Animal abuse: Man lights dog on fire after dragging it down the street in Queens, New York Police Department says

Cruelty to Animals: Man Sets Dog Ablaze After Dragging It Along a Street in Queens, Reports NYPD

NEW YORK — Police are looking for a man who they say…
Report: Now John Bolton's Name Comes Up in the Russia Collusion Hoax—Did He Bury Evidence?

Report: John Bolton Implicated in Alleged Russia Collusion Hoax – Evidence Concealment Questioned

The Russia Collusion story is like the Jeffrey Epstein saga: neither will…