Legendary musician Billy Joel has canceled his remaining summer tour dates due to a recent brain condition diagnosis. Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a treatable condition that affects the brain, causing problems with hearing, vision, and balance.
Joel, 76, announced his diagnosis on social media, citing doctors’ concerns that the condition exacerbated his existing symptoms. The musician is currently undergoing physical therapy and hopes to return to performing one day.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus occurs when cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain due to a narrow bottleneck system. This buildup can lead to problems with walking, cognitive function, and urinary control, which are often misdiagnosed as age-related issues or other conditions like Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s.
However, doctors say that NPH is often underdiagnosed, and going public with his diagnosis could help others receive timely treatment. The condition can be treated through surgery, which involves draining excess fluid from the brain to relieve pressure. While surgery isn’t a cure, it can lead to remarkable improvements in symptoms and quality of life.
Billy Joel’s decision to share his diagnosis highlights the importance of awareness about NPH, a disease that affects many people over 60. By educating himself and others, Joel may inspire others to advocate for themselves and seek medical attention if they’re experiencing similar symptoms.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/05/24/nx-s1-5410463/billy-joel-cancels-tour-dates-after-diagnosis-what-to-know-about-the-brain-condition