(NEXSTAR) – Billy Joel has canceled his upcoming reveals after being identified with a mind dysfunction generally known as regular strain hydrocephalus, based on a web based message posted to his social media channels.
“Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period,” the message reads, partially.
Regular strain hydrocephalus is a situation brought on by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricles of the mind, Johns Hopkins College of Medication explains. Such a buildup may very well be the results of numerous components, together with a mind tumor, a mind an infection or a head harm, but it surely’s extra usually identified amongst older adults, the company stated.
It’s additionally “relatively uncommon” typically, Cleveland Clinic says, with about 0.2% of individuals below 65 having the prognosis, and about 5.9% over 80 affected by the situation.
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Signs of regular strain hydrocephalus (NPH) are bucketed into three classes, based on the Hydrocephalus Affiliation: those who have an effect on strolling, those who have an effect on cognitive skills, and those who have an effect on bladder management. Sufferers could have bother taking place stairs, taking lengthy strides or sustaining stability; expertise forgetfulness, disinterest or confusion; and have bother controlling their bladders.
In Friday’s message, Billy Joel was stated to be experiencing issues together with his imaginative and prescient, listening to and stability — signs which have solely been “exacerbated” by latest performances.
Billy Joel performs at Allegiant Stadium on November 09, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Photos)
Early indicators of NPH are additionally usually misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, based on researchers: Each the Alzheimer’s Affiliation and the Hydrocephalus Affiliation estimate that round 80% of instances are wrongly identified.
“Neuropsychological testing is the most accurate means of determining and documenting cognitive strengths and problems and can help provide a more accurate diagnosis of the range of neuropsychological and cognitive issues,” the Hydrocephalus Affiliation says.
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The excellent news is that NPH will be handled and managed, mostly by implanting a shunt — or a small tube — into the mind ventricles to empty the surplus cerebrospinal fluid into one other a part of the physique (normally the stomach) the place it may be absorbed.
Those that reply nicely to the process can see “rapid improvement” of their habits (normally with strolling at first), but it surely might take for much longer for the complete outcomes, or for the signs to be reversed, the Hydrocephalus Affiliation says.
Joel, 76, has not revealed particulars of his remedy plan, however his message indicated he’s “fully committed to prioritizing his health.”
His scheduled reveals — now all canceled — had prolonged into July 2026.
“I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding,” he wrote in a press release included with the message.
