Billy Joel diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus: What to know about NPH brain disorder
Share and Follow

NEW YORK — Billy Joel has canceled all of his scheduled concerts due to a recently diagnosed health condition, the legendary singer said on Instagram.

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

Normal pressure hydrocephalus is one of two types of hydrocephalus, an “abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid deep within the brain,” according to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, is the fluid that lives in the ventricles, or cavities, of the brain that helps cushion the brain and the spinal cord. When the flow of CSF is somehow blocked and fluid builds up in the ventricles, it causes normal pressure hydrocephalus, according to the 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 and Follow
You May Also Like
Anne Burrell death investigation reveals new details

Investigation into Anne Burrell’s death uncovers fresh insights

Anne Burrell’s shock death investigation has taken another twist as chilling new…
Trump gives Iran two-week deadline to surrender

Trump sets a two-week ultimatum for Iran to submit

President Donald Trump will decide whether or not to strike Iran in…
FAA to eliminate floppy disks, outdated tech in air traffic control system

Transportation Secretary advocates for increased funding for air traffic control

() Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy toured an air traffic control tower in…
UN nuclear chief says Iran has material to build bombs, but no plan to do so

UN nuclear chief says Iran has material to build bombs, but no plan to do so

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! As President Donald Trump…
Mexican restaurant threatened after owner's daughter endorses Trump

Threats Against Mexican Restaurant Increase After Owner’s Daughter Supports Trump

Following the owner’s daughter expressing support for Donald Trump, the staff at…
Former Dem 'super mayor' pleads the Fifth after failing to produce public records in court

Ousted Dem ‘super mayor’ charges whopping price tag for tell-all book while dodging legal troubles

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The embattled former Chicago…
Trump admin denies Gabbard, Hegseth sidelined in Iran debates

Trump administration rejects claims of sidelining Gabbard and Hegseth in discussions about Iran.

() The Trump administration is denying reports that Director of National Intelligence…
Trump weighs Iran response as European leaders push for diplomacy

Donald Trump considers how to respond to Iran while European leaders advocate for diplomatic solutions

() As the conflict between Israel and Iran enters its second week,…