Neurosurgeon Recommends Brain-Healthy Breakfast; Billy Joel Cancels Concerts Due to Brain Disorder Diagnosis
Musician Billy Joel has been diagnosed with a brain condition; here's a rundown of the disorder and its implications for his career.
In a video post on X, New Jersey neurosurgeon Dr. Paul Saphier M.D. shares his breakfast choices to boost brain health.
Meanwhile, five-time Grammy winner Billy Joel, 76, has cancelled all scheduled concerts following his diagnosis with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). The brain disorder occurs when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up inside or around the brain, which was announced on Joel's website on Friday.
Under his doctor's instruction, Joel is receiving specific physical therapy and is advised to abstain from performing during the recovery period.
NPH affects an estimated 0.2% of people between 70 and 80, and around 5.9% of those over 80, according to Cleveland Clinic. Although pressure remains normal, the disorder can affect brain function, particularly the areas of thinking, memory, movement, and focus.
The condition might be mistaken for dementia, but some cases of NPH can be treated and reversed. Diagnosis involves a combination of neurological exams, lab tests, and diagnostic imaging (MRI or CT scans).
The most common treatment for NPH is a surgical procedure called "shunting," where a device with two tubes, called a shunt, is implanted to regulate the amount of fluid in the brain. This procedure can alleviate symptoms through improved flow of CSF from the brain to another part of the body where it can be absorbed.
Billy Joel had been experiencing problems with hearing, vision, and balance, which were exacerbated by recent concert performances. Although timely treatment is crucial to prevent severe or permanent damage to the brain, the outlook for patients with NPH significantly improves with early diagnosis and treatment.
It's essential to note that idiopathic NPH (accounting for about 50% of NPH cases) is thought to be related to age-related issues with CSF circulation and absorption, while secondary NPH is caused by external factors such as aneurysm, hemorrhage, tumor, stroke, infection, or traumatic brain injury.
Symptoms typically include gait disturbances, urinary incontinence, and cognitive changes such as memory loss. When left untreated, these symptoms can worsen.
There is currently no definitive treatment for idiopathic NPH, but in some cases, lifestyle changes, medications, or physical therapy can help alleviate symptoms. However, primary treatment for both forms of NPH involves surgical implantation of a shunt system to divert excess CSF from the brain to another part of the body where it can be absorbed.
Melissa Rudy, senior health editor, noted that timely treatment is crucial for NPH patients, stating, "Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes."
[Source: Cleveland Clinic, Northwestern Medicine, and other reputable sources]
- Dr. Paul Saphier M.D., a New Jersey neurosurgeon, suggests certain breakfast options to promote brain health.
- Billy Joel, a five-time Grammy winner, has cancelled all scheduled concerts due to a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a brain disorder.
- NPH impacts brain function, particularly thinking, memory, movement, and focus, and it can be mistaken for dementia.
- The most common treatment for NPH is a surgical procedure called "shunting," where a device with two tubes, called a shunt, is implanted to regulate CSF flow and alleviate symptoms.
- Lifestyle changes, medications, or physical therapy can help alleviate symptoms in some cases of NPH, but primary treatment involves surgical implantation of a shunt system.
- Timely treatment is crucial for NPH patients, as early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes, according to Melissa Rudy, senior health editor.
