Billy Joel’s Brain Disorder, and the Surgery We Offer to Treat It
Billy Joel shocked and concerned fans around the world Friday, with an announcement canceling his shows after a brain disorder diagnosis.
The 76-year-old rock star is dealing with the side effects of “Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus” or NPH. It’s when cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the ventricles of the brain and makes them bigger. There is no known cause for the condition, but it can follow a stroke, brain infections, hemorrhage or other types of head trauma.
Symptoms of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
- Issues Walking: Patients may walk with small, shuffled steps or have trouble walking.
- Urinary Incontinence: Experiencing the urgent need to urinate or urinating uncontrollably
- Cognitive Impairment: Memory problems, slowed thinking, apathy, or symptoms close to dementia
AVALA Spine Neurosurgeons Dr. Justin L. Owen and Dr. Jared Robichaux are specially trained and equipped to treat this condition and can sometimes have patients walk out of the hospital on the same day. No brain surgery is simple, but a very small incision (smaller than an inch) can give our neurosurgeons the access they need to drain this fluid and get our patients back to living their normal lives.
WATCH: Go into Dr. Justin Owen’s Operating Room To See A VP Shunt Procedure
Surgery may not always be indicated. In Joel’s cancellation statement, he says his doctor has him undergoing “specific physical therapy.” Performing with the condition could make his symptoms worse, so he was forced to cancel his shows while he prioritizes his health.
If you know someone struggling with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus – or with symptoms like what we have described here, Dr. Owen and Dr. Robichaux would be happy to see them in one of our 5 clinic locations around the Greater New Orleans area. You can make an appointment by clicking here.
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