What is normal pressure hydrocephalus? Piano Man Billy Joel diagnosed with rare brain disorder | Hollywood News

Billy Joel, the legendary pian, on May 23, made a shocking brain disorder diagnosis announcement, adding that he is cancelling all his planned tours. In a statement released via The Hollywood Reporter, Joel and his team said that the singer is suffering from normal pressure hydrocephalus, a type of brain condition which can lead “to problems with hearing, vision, and balance,” as well as other brain-related activities, even affecting memor, and can be very similar to dementia. For now. Joel, on doctor’s advice, has stepped back from his concerts and shows and is undergoing special physical therapy. 
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What to know about the rare brain disorder NPH affecting Billy Joel
When a person suffers from normal pressure hydrocephalus, a type of fluid buildup inside the brain, also called cerebrospinal fluid, starts affecting brain function. This fluid provides nutrients and also helps remove waste from the brain, but once your body fails to reabsorb CSF, it gathers in the centre or around and slowly turns problematic. According to Yale Medicine, such conditions might also trigger other activities like abnormal gait or urinary urgency and can be the start of dementia as well. It’s a very rare condition and, according to reports, mostly occurs in adults over 65 years and in just 3 to 4 percent of cases. 
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In the statement, Joel revealed starting special therapy, which might be the process called ventricular shunting. If the condition is diagnosed in the early days, research states its effects can be reversed via such kind of therapy. But once the person fails to recognise it in the early stage and is diagnosed with dementia, the symptoms become irreversible. Some of the common signs include freezing while walking, trouble lifting your feet, rotating toes, shorter steps, and more. It also induces cognitive issues like emotional changes and memory loss. “This condition has been exacerbated recent concerts,” Joel said in a statement earlier, adding, “I’m sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience and thank you for understanding.”
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The 76-year-old was scheduled to make 17 tour stops throughout stadiums across North America and England. His team said, “Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period. Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritising his health.” Joel’s team announced that the refund process for tickets has started, and for people who purchased tickets online, the refund will be made automatically. “You don’t need to take any action to receive your refund,” the post said. “It will be automatically processed back to the original payment used for the purchase.” Joel’s health condition comes four months after his health scare made headlines for cancelled tours. At the time, he underwent surgery for an unspecified medical condition. “While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first,” Joel said at the time.