Billy Joel Diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: What You Need to Know

 Billy Joel Cancels Concerts Due to Brain Condition Affecting Balance, Vision, and Hearing

Singer-songwriter Billy Joel announced on Friday that he is canceling his upcoming concerts after being diagnosed with a brain disorder impacting his hearing, vision, and balance.

The condition, known as normal pressure hydrocephalus (N.P.H.), affects hundreds of thousands of older adults in the U.S.

What is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus?

N.P.H. is a neurological disorder caused by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. This pressure can lead to difficulty walking, bladder control issues, and memory problems — a combination of symptoms that often points to the disorder.

Bladder-related symptoms may include incontinence and increased nighttime urination, according to Dr. Charles Matouk, a neurosurgeon at Yale University and director of its Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Program.

A statement posted on Joel’s social media accounts noted that his condition has been "exacerbated by recent concert performances."

Though N.P.H. is relatively rare, the likelihood of developing it increases with age. Dr. Matouk estimates it affects fewer than 1% of people aged 65 to 80, but possibly more than 5% of those over 80.