Tributes pour in after Billy Joel reveals brain disorder diagnosis: Latest updates – UK Times

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), which Joel has been diagnosed with, is a relatively rare brain disorder.

It is estimated that the condition affects around 700,000 Americans but only 20% are properly diagnosed. It is often mistaken for dementia due to similar symptoms.

NPH occurs due to a build-up of a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain’s cavities, which are known as ventricles.

CSF cushions the brain and spinal cord. In normal circumstances, the body makes just enough CSF each day and absorbs the same amount.

However, if an excess amount of fluid builds up in the ventricles then this can lead to normal pressure hydrocephalus.

According to John Hopkins Medicine: “NPH occurs if the normal flow of CSF throughout the brain and spinal cord is blocked in some way. This may be due to past injury, bleeding, infection, brain tumor, or surgery on the brain, or the cause is often not known.

“When excess CSF fluid builds up in the ventricles, they enlarge and press against nearby brain tissue. This extra fluid and pressure can lead to brain damage.”

NPH can be treated. A common surgery for the condition involves placing a small tube, known as a shunt, into the brain in order to drain excess fluid. The shunt carries fluid down through the body to the abdomen, where it can be absorbed.

Billy Joel’s music is a running theme in the hit superhero series The Boys, with Jack Quaid’s Hughie being a particular fan of the Piano Man.

On Instagram both Quaid and Erin Moriarty, who plays Hughie’s on-screen partner Annie/Starlight, sent their best wishes to Joel.

Moriarty wrote: “Sending love, Billy” while Quaid left a string of heart emojis.

ESPN host Mike Greenberg sent an emotional message on X, writing: “Please get well soon Billy Joel, your music has been the soundtrack of my life, as it has for millions of others. Sending you and your family all the good vibes we have.”

Davey Johnstone, the Scottish guitar player best known for his work with Elton John, is thinking of Joel.

“Love you Billy, best wishes for your complete recovery,” he wrote on Instagram. “Love from us Johnstones.”

Many fans have left heartfelt messages of support on social media, with one writing on X: “Honoured I got to see Billy Joel last year and saddened to learn of his current health battle. Gutted to see he’s had to stop doing the very thing he loved. An amazingly talented man. Health is your wealth and he has to put himself first. Thank you for the music Billy.”

Kate Micucci, the comedian and musician known as one half of the musical comedy duo Garfunkel and Oates, commented on Joel’s statement: “Sending you love!”

New York’s Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, had hoped to host a Joel concert with Sting on August 21. That sadly now won’t be going ahead, and the stadium’s official X account showed their support for the singer by tweeting: “Get well soon, Billy Joel.”

Billy Joel’s remarkable decade-long residency at Madison Square Garden from 2013 to 2024 is the stuff of musical legend. The official X account of the storied New York venue posted: “Get well soon Billy Joel. Your MSG family is rooting for your swift recovery.”

Actor and radio DJ Danny Bonaduce has shared his own experiences with NPH on X.

“Once again Billy Joel is copying me,” he joked. “I just read he was diagnosed with normal pressures hydrocephalus. He’s scheduled for the same brain surgery I had 2 years ago and I am 100% better. Wishing him the best and if he wants to talk, I’m here.”