Fan support praised as wife of Billy Joel expresses gratitude in the face of the singer's brain condition revelation.
Billy Joel, the renowned musician, announced on Monday that he has been diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). The condition, which causes a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, has forced Joel to cancel his upcoming concert dates. His wife, Alexis Roderick Joel, expressed gratitude for the medical care and timely diagnosis they received.
The diagnosis was made public in a statement posted on Joel's Instagram on Friday. NPH is most commonly diagnosed in individuals around the age of 70, and symptoms include difficulties with balance, hearing, and vision. The statement noted that Joel's recent concert performances had exacerbated these problems.
The family is optimistic about Joel's recovery and is hopeful for a future return to the stage. In a post accompanying a photo with their two young daughters, Della and Remy, Alexis Roderick Joel said, "We are grateful for the wonderful care and swift diagnosis we received."
NPH is treatable in many cases, often involving specific physical therapy and, in some instances, surgery. Doctors told NBC News that the condition can even be reversed.
Christie Brinkley, Billy Joel's ex-wife, also showed support for the musician, sharing well-wishes on her Instagram over the weekend. The statement from Joel's team did not disclose any details about the singer's treatment plan or prognosis.
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus is an underdiagnosed condition, with symptoms often leading patients to be mistakenly believed to be developing dementia. Treatment options include shunt surgery and Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV), both designed to relieve pressure on the brain by diverting excess cerebrospinal fluid. Recovery from NPH surgery is typically a gradual process, enhanced by exercise and physical therapy.
In February, Joel fell during a show in Uncasville, Connecticut. It is not clear if this fall was related to his recent diagnosis.
- Despite the challenges, the family is optimistic about Billy Joel's recovery and is hopeful for a future return to the stage, perhaps taking inspiration from health-and-wellness routines that include fitness-and-exercise.
- As Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus often goes unnoticed, it's crucial for mental-health awareness about this condition to increase, especially as it can be reversed with appropriate treatment options like shunt surgery or Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV).
- As news of Billy Joel's diagnosis spread, celebrities such as Christie Brinkley shared words of support on social media platforms, demonstrating solidarity in the realm of pop-culture and reminding everyone of the importance of health and wellness within the entertainment industry.
