# Billy Joel diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, cancels current tour per advice from doctor (23 May 2025) **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** music\ **Created:** [May 23, 2025, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billy-joel-diagnosed-with-normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-cancels-current-tour-per-advice-from-doctor-23-may-2025/1018710 "2025-05-23T17:00:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2025, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billy-joel-diagnosed-with-normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-cancels-current-tour-per-advice-from-doctor-23-may-2025/1018710/1 "2025-05-23T17:00:04Z")
> **[Billy Joel Says He Has Brain Disorder, Cancels All Scheduled Concerts](https://www.tmz.com/2025/05/23/billy-joel-brain-disorder-nph-cancels-tour-shows/)** > > Billy Joel says he's been diagnosed with a brain disorder ... and as a result, he's canceling all of his scheduled concerts. > Billy’s camp says his shows through July 3, 2026, are canceled and tickets will be refunded. > We’re told Billy is on a boat with his wife today in Florida … and he’s already undergone surgery. > > Our source says Billy is NOT retiring … and he hopes to be back onstage at some point. ---
**Author:** ![suranyi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e36b37/32.png) [@suranyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/suranyi)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2025, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billy-joel-diagnosed-with-normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-cancels-current-tour-per-advice-from-doctor-23-may-2025/1018710/2 "2025-05-23T17:48:35Z")
Last year I was at one of his last concerts of his Madison Square Garden residency. He was great. I hope he can get better. ---
**Author:** ![Ponderoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ponderoid/32/19221_2.png) [@Ponderoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponderoid)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2025, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billy-joel-diagnosed-with-normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-cancels-current-tour-per-advice-from-doctor-23-may-2025/1018710/3 "2025-05-23T17:51:01Z")
Turn the lights back on! Get well soon, Mr. Joel. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2025, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billy-joel-diagnosed-with-normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-cancels-current-tour-per-advice-from-doctor-23-may-2025/1018710/4 "2025-05-23T21:29:54Z")
Seems strange to name a disease normal if it anything but normal. Hope its not life changing serious and can be treated. He is one of the few old timers I would still enjoy seeing. ---
**Author:** ![Coriolanus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coriolanus/32/18769_2.png) [@Coriolanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coriolanus)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2025, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billy-joel-diagnosed-with-normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-cancels-current-tour-per-advice-from-doctor-23-may-2025/1018710/5 "2025-05-23T21:52:17Z")
IANAD yet my understanding of “normal” is his brain / personality and such are intact though in some peril, esp. as he must have had some of the listed symptoms and if excess fluid on the brain isn’t visible with ultrasound, CAT or MRI would show it. Thus the “normal” suggests there’s viable treatment for it. I hope so - the progression of this sounds like a bad way to go. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2025, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billy-joel-diagnosed-with-normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-cancels-current-tour-per-advice-from-doctor-23-may-2025/1018710/6 "2025-05-23T21:56:02Z")
It’s been several years, but I’ve had the opportunity to see him twice. Absolutely amazing. I didn’t really “discover” Billy Joel until my high school years (late 80s/early90s). I knew who he was, of course, and had a few songs that I liked, but never gave him much of a real listen until _Storm Front_. I got to see him in the late 90s, but it was easily one of the high points of my concert-going life, and some of my favorite memories in general. Here’s hoping for a quick and complete recovery. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2025, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billy-joel-diagnosed-with-normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-cancels-current-tour-per-advice-from-doctor-23-may-2025/1018710/7 "2025-05-23T22:03:29Z")
A story from the AP on the news – TMZ is often amazing at breaking celebrity news, but their coverage is often a little breathless. From the AP story: > [@](#): > > In March, “The Piano Man” and “Uptown Girl” singer announced that he underwent surgery and had to undergo physical therapy. A statement at the time said doctors expected him to make a full recovery. It is unclear if his medical issues at the time were related to Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus. > > The condition can cause problems with walking, bladder control and thinking, with symptoms worsening if left untreated. It’s relatively rare and can be hard to diagnose. It can be treated successfully with surgery to install a tube to drain excess fluid. Patients may need physical therapy in addition to surgery. > **[Billy Joel cancels touring after being diagnosed with a brain disorder](https://apnews.com/article/billy-joel-tour-2025-2813cbc970f48295f62014181ac53eae)** > > Billy Joel has canceled all his upcoming concerts across North America and England after being diagnosed with fluid buildup in his brain that has affected his “hearing, vision and balance.” ---
**Author:** ![Xocomil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xocomil/32/14927_2.png) [@Xocomil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xocomil)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2025, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billy-joel-diagnosed-with-normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-cancels-current-tour-per-advice-from-doctor-23-may-2025/1018710/8 "2025-05-23T22:46:44Z")
I am a fellow NAD. The terminology isn’t too inscrutable. He has a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in his brain but not a corresponding rise in intracranial pressure. Hence the “normal pressure.” The upshot is, whatever his symptoms, he didn’t have any migraine-like complaints. ---
**Author:** ![gkster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gkster/32/14107_2.png) [@gkster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gkster)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2025, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billy-joel-diagnosed-with-normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-cancels-current-tour-per-advice-from-doctor-23-may-2025/1018710/9 "2025-05-23T23:20:58Z")
My mom has NPH. The fact that it’s called “Normal” can be confusing, yes, but otherwise it’s not that hard to understand. Here’s a website about it: > **[What is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)?](https://www.hydroassoc.org/normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-2/)** > > Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid that causes the ventricles to become enlarged. She’s had the shunt implant surgery for it, as described on that page. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2025, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billy-joel-diagnosed-with-normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-cancels-current-tour-per-advice-from-doctor-23-may-2025/1018710/10 "2025-05-23T23:33:37Z")
My aunt had something like this. At any rate, she had too much cerebrospinal fluid, and it needed to be drained. She might not have had normal pressure. Her symptoms were severe, the treatment took a while and was scary, and she ultimately recovered fully. I wish Billy Joel an easier path to a similar outcome. ---
**Author:** ![Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e4f/32.png) [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2025, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billy-joel-diagnosed-with-normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-cancels-current-tour-per-advice-from-doctor-23-may-2025/1018710/11 "2025-05-24T00:09:04Z")
My father has this, too. His speaking style and memory improved quite a bit after he has a shunt implanted. It’s had to be adjusted several times, and we think there may be something going on with it right now. CT scan and neurology appointments have been scheduled. Hopefully Joel does well with it - I’ve been a big fan of his for a long time. ---
**Author:** ![FinsToTheLeft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finstotheleft/32/2930_2.png) [@FinsToTheLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinsToTheLeft)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2025, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billy-joel-diagnosed-with-normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-cancels-current-tour-per-advice-from-doctor-23-may-2025/1018710/12 "2025-05-24T01:21:39Z")
I was supposed to see him in Toronto in March before his fall when it was rescheduled to March 2026. Now I just get $1600 back for my 5 tickets. We did manage to see him at MSG in New York in 2018, that was a great show. ---
**Author:** ![outlierrn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/outlierrn/32/3005_2.png) [@outlierrn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/outlierrn)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2025, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billy-joel-diagnosed-with-normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-cancels-current-tour-per-advice-from-doctor-23-may-2025/1018710/13 "2025-05-24T22:18:02Z")
IANA neurologist, but would guess that the ‘normal’ comes from this. (italics mine) > Hydrocephalus is caused by an imbalance between the amount of fluid produced and its absorption rate. Enlarged ventricles put increased pressure on the adjacent cortical tissue and cause myriad effects in the patient, including distortion of the fibers in the corona radiata. This leads to an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP). The ICP gradually falls but remains slightly elevated, and the CSF pressure reaches a high normal level of 15 to 20 cm H2O. _Measurements of ICP, therefore, are not usually elevated._ Because of this, patients do not exhibit the classic signs that accompany increased intracranial pressure such as headache, nausea, vomiting, or altered consciousness, although some studies have shown pressure elevations to occur intermittently. [Normal pressure hydrocephalus - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_pressure_hydrocephalus) ---
**Author:** ![Reeses\_Monkey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reeses_monkey/32/2885_2.png) [@Reeses\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reeses_Monkey)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2025, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billy-joel-diagnosed-with-normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-cancels-current-tour-per-advice-from-doctor-23-may-2025/1018710/14 "2025-05-25T01:23:39Z")
Was his driving into trees caused by this disease or was the disease caused by his driving into trees?I know he was cited for drunk driving but could the brain problems have been the underlying cause? ---
**Author:** ![natureboy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/4491bb/32.png) [@natureboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/natureboy)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2025, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billy-joel-diagnosed-with-normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-cancels-current-tour-per-advice-from-doctor-23-may-2025/1018710/15 "2025-05-25T01:46:06Z")
One of my all-time favorite musicians. ---
**Author:** ![DoubleG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9fc29f/32.png) [@DoubleG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoubleG)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2025, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billy-joel-diagnosed-with-normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-cancels-current-tour-per-advice-from-doctor-23-may-2025/1018710/16 "2025-05-29T02:42:42Z")
I hope he is ok and can return. I had tickets for Detroit which was originally scheduled for March and rescheduled for November before being canceled. ---
**Author:** ![outlierrn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/outlierrn/32/3005_2.png) [@outlierrn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/outlierrn)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2026, 8:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billy-joel-diagnosed-with-normal-pressure-hydrocephalus-cancels-current-tour-per-advice-from-doctor-23-may-2025/1018710/17 "2026-01-07T08:51:08Z")
Here’s a bit of good news. I don’t know how good his performance was in this case, but at a show like that it almost doesn’t matter. [Billy Joel Joins Tribute Band on Stage for Surprise Performance](https://www.yahoo.com/news/videos/billy-joel-joins-tribute-band-053618756.html)