Legendary musician Billy Joel, 76, has given fans an update on his health, opening up about living with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) after revealing the diagnosis in a Facebook post in May. The “Piano Man” performer canceled all of his scheduled shows after being diagnosed with the condition, which can lead to permanent brain damage if left untreated. Here we explain what NPH is, early warning signs you shouldn’t ignore and the way the long-lasting singer is doing right this moment.
Billy Joel’s signs and prognosis journey
On a latest episode of Invoice Maher’s podcast Membership Random with Invoice Maher, Joel opened up about being recognized with NPH, saying, “It’s not fixed, it’s still being worked on.” The star of the HBO Max documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes continued, “My balance sucks. It’s like being on a boat.”
When Maher requested for extra particulars, Joel defined, “It used to be called ‘water on the brain’. Now it’s called normal pressure hydrocephalus.” Nonetheless, Joel stated, “I feel good. They keep referring to what I have as a brain disorder, so it sounds a lot worse than what I’m feeling.”
After his prognosis started affecting his well being, Joel needed to cancel his upcoming performances. “Below his physician’s directions, Billy is present process particular bodily remedy and has been suggested to chorus from performing throughout this restoration interval,” a press release posted on his Instagram learn. “Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health.”
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What’s regular strain hydrocephalus (NPH)?
Regular strain hydrocephalus happens when cerebrospinal fluid builds up within the cranium and places an excessive amount of strain on the mind, explains Warren Boling, MD, Chair of Neurosurgery at Loma Linda College Well being.
“Spinal fluid is produced in the center of the brain in fluid spaces called the ventricles,” Dr. Boling explains. “It circulates through the ventricular spaces, over the brain’s surface and around the spine before being reabsorbed into the bloodstream.”
In a wholesome physique, the quantity of spinal fluid within the cranium and mind stays fixed. However with NPH, extra fluid builds up over time, rising the chance of compression and harm to the mind.
“Early and rapid treatment is critical, and is usually curative.” —Warren Boling, MD
“When the reabsorption process is impaired, it causes fluid to accumulate in the brain and the ventricles to enlarge,” says Dr. Boling. “As the ventricles expand, they compress nearby brain tissue, disrupting brain signaling and causing the symptoms of NPH.”
What causes NPH and who’s in danger?
About half of NPH instances are idiopathic, that means they occur for unknown causes. The opposite half of instances develop as a secondary situation to different issues, corresponding to a mind aneurysm or stroke. In response to Joel, his NPH falls within the first class.
“They don’t really know what caused it,” Joel defined to Maher on the podcast. “I thought it must be from drinking. I used to drink like a fish.” Whereas researchers have recognized a connection between alcohol consumption and NPH, the extent of the connection is unclear.
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Early warning indicators of NPH to observe for
A few of the commonest signs of NPH embody:
Gait points, corresponding to bother lifting your ft or strolling usually
Urinary incontinence
Cognitive decline, which may result in dementia.
Joel hasn’t publicly shared his precise expertise with the well being situation, however in response to the assertion he launched in Could, his signs have been “exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance.”
“NPH is often first identified by CT scan or MRI, where the very enlarged ventricles are apparent,” says Lynn Schaefer, PhD, director of neuropsychology at Nassau College Medical Heart. “Even your primary care physician can send you for a scan if you are exhibiting symptoms, although ultimately you’d be sent to see a neurosurgeon.”
How NPH is handled
NPH is uncommon, however turns into extra frequent with age. It impacts 0.2 p.c of individuals ages 70 to 80, and 6 p.c of adults over 80, in response to the Cleveland Clinic. That is no less than partly because of the elevated probability of a stroke or different traumatic mind occasion as we grow old. Fortunately, when caught early, NPH is treatable and even reversible.
“When the first signs of NPH become apparent—urinary incontinence and gait disturbance—the goal is to treat the condition before cognitive symptoms develop,” says Dr. Boling. “The most common treatment for NPH is the insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. This small, mechanical tube reroutes excess spinal fluid from the brain to the abdomen, where the body can safely absorb it.”
Why early prognosis issues
If you end up dropping management of your bladder or having problem strolling, see a health care provider immediately. Early surgical intervention can enhance and even reverse this situation. “The best results of treatment occur when it is diagnosed and treated early,” Dr. Boling says. “Early and rapid treatment is critical, and is usually curative.”
So whereas Joel might not be capable of carry out once more quickly, the truth that he’s making appearances and never combating any cognitive issues bodes effectively for the musical famous person’s well being. Hopefully, he’ll make a full restoration.
For extra superstar well being tales:
Venus Williams Was Medically Gaslit About Her Fibroids for Years—How She Lastly Bought Solutions
Ozzy Osbourne Useless at 76 After A long time-Lengthy Parkinson’s Battle: A Look Again at His Well being Battle
Brian Wilson’s Battle With Psychological Sickness and Dementia: A Have a look at His Well being Journey
This content material will not be an alternative to skilled medical recommendation or prognosis. All the time seek the advice of your doctor earlier than pursuing any therapy plan.
