Billy Joel introduced Friday that he is canceling all scheduled concert events at his medical doctors’ orders, following a current prognosis of an unusual situation exacerbated by current live performance performances, in keeping with a press release.
The situation, regular strain hydrocephalus (NPH), is a dysfunction the place fluid buildup in or across the mind disrupts mind perform, in keeping with the Cleveland Clinic. Joel’s crew says his current performances have worsened it, resulting in issues with listening to, imaginative and prescient and stability.
Joel is present process bodily remedy and taking heed of medical doctors’ directions to not carry out throughout his restoration interval. It is not clear how lengthy that can take. So what’s NPH? Extra on Joel’s canceled NYC space reveals right here.
What’s regular strain hydrocephalus?
In response to the Cleveland Clinic, NPH is when additional cerebrospinal fluid accumulates within the mind’s ventricles. It could have an effect on capabilities like focus, reminiscence and motion and result in cognitive impairment.
Oftentimes, signs are much like dementia, and NPH could also be misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s illness or Parkinson’s illness. Within the case of NPH, although, the situation is usually reversible.
In response to the Cleveland Clinic, NPH is comparatively uncommon, affecting about 0.2% of individuals between ages 70 and 80 and about 5.9% of individuals older than 80. It is considered uncommon in individuals youthful than 65 (0.003%).
Joel simply celebrated his 76th birthday earlier this month.
Widespread signs embody hassle with walking-related actions, urinary incontinence and cognitive difficulties, the Cleveland Clinic says. Signs begin regularly and worsen over three to 6 months, it provides.
About half of NPH circumstances are idiopathic, in keeping with the Cleveland Clinic, that means they occur for unknown causes. Age-related points are considered an element. These circumstances are often treatable.
The opposite half of the time, one other situation might have an effect on fluid buildup in and across the mind. These embody mind aneurysm, tumors, bleeding, infections, stroke or traumatic mind accidents. This type of NPH may be reversible, however provided that the underlying situation inflicting it’s reversible.
NPH is identified utilizing a variety of strategies, together with a bodily and neurological examination, diagnostic imaging and lab checks (spinal faucet). The dysfunction doesn’t reply to drugs, although medicine might alleviate some signs, in keeping with the Cleveland Clinic.
Be taught extra about prevention, therapy and restoration from the Cleveland Clinic.
