Billy Joel Reveals Brain Disorder and Abruptly Cancels All Upcoming Concerts
Billy Joel, a pianist and singer-songwriter from the United States, announced on Friday that he is postponing all of his planned shows, including one in Toronto, due to a new diagnosis of a brain condition called normal pressure hydrocephalus. According to a social media announcement, the 76-year-old musician is receiving physical treatment and has been told to hold off on performing until he heals.
“I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience and thank you for understanding,” added Billy Joel.
According to the statement, Billy Joel’s hearing, vision, and balance issues were made worse by recent musical performances.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the disorder develops when fluid accumulates inside the skull and presses against the brain, and it is more common in adults over 65. The symptoms, which can occasionally be reversed through surgery, match those of dementia and include memory problems and stumbling feet with short steps.
Due to an undisclosed medical ailment, the tour, which included 17 cities in the US, Canada, and England, was originally moved from its February start date to July. Joel, who is well-known for songs like Piano Man and Uptown Girl, concluded his historic monthly Madison Square Garden engagement last year. The residency started in 2014.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus: what is it?
By either producing more or absorbing it, the human body works continuously to maintain a constant amount of cerebrospinal fluid to cushion the brain and spinal cord.
According to Dr. Wajd Al-Holou, a neurosurgeon at the University of Michigan Health, the brain capacity decreases with age, such that fluid tends to occupy a little more space in older persons.
“But what happens in normal pressure hydrocephalus is an abnormal buildup of fluid that causes brain dysfunction because of the pressure it’s putting on the brain,” he explained.
How is it diagnosed, and what are the symptoms?
After seeing a doctor, patients frequently receive a diagnosis because they or a family member are worried that they may be suffering from dementia, which is more prevalent as individuals age. Walking difficulties, bladder control problems, and memory loss are also frequent. Patients who struggle to raise their feet run the risk of tripping and falling.
According to Al-Holou, doctors typically do a number of neurological tests in addition to brain imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan. To remove the extra fluid, doctors may potentially perform a procedure known as a lumbar puncture. Normal pressure hydrocephalus, or NPH, is the common diagnosis if the patient’s symptoms get better.
How is it handled?
Normal pressure hydrocephalus is curable and, in many cases, reversible if detected early, despite the fact that the illness can resemble dementia. For the autumn Covid vaccinations, the FDA selects a new strain. What it signifies for your next shot is as follows.
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The 17-year husband of Sheinelle Jones, Uche Ojeh, passed away from brain cancer. In order to help drain the fluid accumulation into another area of the body, such as the abdomen, where it can be reabsorbed, neurosurgeons frequently implant a ventriculoperitoneal shunt into the brain.
Another option is to take acetazolamide, a medication that may assist the body naturally reduce fluid levels. According to Al-Holou, not everyone responds well to the medication. On Friday, it remained uncertain how Joel would be treated. The artist “is undergoing specific physical therapy,” according to his social media statement, but no further information was provided.
According to the specialists, such type of therapy is typically used to help patients regain their equilibrium. A prompt diagnosis increases the effectiveness of any treatment. According to Al-Holou, the illness can cause irreversible brain damage if left untreated for an extended period of time.
He advised them to “see a primary care physician or neurologist to investigate further” if they appear to be exhibiting early symptoms such problematic memory loss and trouble walking.
