Common pressure buildup in the brain, typically treatable – a medical issue Billy Joel has encountered
76-year-old music icon Billy Joel has announced the cancellation of his concert tour, citing a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) as the cause for his hearing, vision, and balance issues.
NPH is a condition that affects about 5.9% of individuals over the age of 80, according to the Cleveland Clinic, and is more common in older adults, commonly appearing around age 70. This ailment arises when there is an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain, causing pressure and leading to issues with walking, thinking, and balancing.
The human body usually tries to keep a stable level of cerebrospinal fluid to cushion the brain and spinal cord, either by producing more or absorbing it. However, in NPH, the body fails to manage this balance due to increased space taken up by the fluid in older adults, as brain volume tends to shrink with age.
Symptoms of NPH often resemble those of dementia but may include memory loss, bladder control issues, and difficulty walking. This condition is often diagnosed after patients or their families seek medical attention due to concerns about developing dementia. Gait instability, urinary incontinence, and cognitive issues such as memory problems or confusion are the three main signs that doctors look for, often under the catchphrase, 'wet, wobbly and weird.'
Brain imaging, such as CT scans or MRIs, and a variety of neurological tests are used to diagnose NPH. Doctors may also perform a lumbar puncture to drain excess fluid for diagnostic purposes. If symptoms improve as a result, the condition is often diagnosed as NPH.
There is no known cause for NPH, and it's unlikely to be triggered by loud music or concert touring. However, the standard treatment involves the surgical placement of a shunt, which helps drain excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain to another part of the body, such as the abdomen.
This procedure can alleviate symptoms for many patients and, if diagnosed and treated early, the prognosis is generally better. If left untreated, permanent brain damage could occur. Those experiencing early signs, such as troublesome memory loss and difficulty walking, should seek a primary care physician or neurologist for further investigation.
- Given Billy Joel's age and the symptoms he's experiencing, his condition might be a form of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a neurological disorder more common in individuals over 70, which can lead to walking, thinking, and balancing issues.
- As Billy Joel's hearing, vision, and balance issues seem similar to those associated with dementia, yet he also experiences memory loss and bladder control issues, it's possible that he's been diagnosed with NPH, a condition often mistaken for dementia due to these shared symptoms.
- The diagnosis and treatment of NPH are crucial for maintaining health and wellness, especially for those in the aging population. If Billy Joel sought medical attention earlier, he might have been able to manage his condition through a shunt procedure, improving his mental health, fitness, and exercise capabilities.
