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Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Christie Brinkley calls ex-husband Billy Joel 'OUR piano man' after brain diagnosis
Christie Brinkley is showing support for her ex-husband Billy Joel following news of his recent brain diagnosis. The supermodel, who shares daughter Alexa Ray with the legendary singer, posted a video on Instagram Saturday -- just one day after Joel revealed he had been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus. Billy Joel sings 'Uptown Girl' at NYC show as Christie Brinkley dances along In the clip, Brinkley and her daughter, Sailor Brinkley Cook -- whom she shares with ex-husband Peter Cook -- are seen enjoying one of Joel's concerts and sharing laughs with the musician. "Dear Billy, The whole Brinkley gang is sending you lots of love and good wishes for a full and speedy recovery," she wrote in the caption. "I was looking for some cute photos of you and Alexa to send you, when I came across this clip from a recent concert. It made me laugh ..but it also reminded me of all the joy you create, and all the sensational sing a longs you've lead." "You turn an arena of strangers into a living room full of friends as we all sway in unison," she continued. "I'm sure I'm speaking for everyone in that room when I say please take good care of yourself, we all want you back in that white hot spotlight, you're OUR piano man.' "And we're always in the mood for your melodies And we all hope you're feeling alright!" Brinkley concluded the heartfelt note. "We Love You, the kids, me and a whole bunch of full arenas!" Joel and Brinkley were married from 1985 to 1994 and share one child, Alexa Ray. Both have two additional children from other relationships. Joel shared his diagnosis on Friday in an Instagram post, where he also announced that his upcoming concerts have been canceled due to health concerns. Normal pressure hydrocephalus is one of two types of hydrocephalus, an "abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid deep within the brain," according to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. CSF is the fluid that fills the brain's ventricles, or cavities, helping to cushion both the brain and spinal cord. When the flow of this fluid is disrupted and begins to accumulate in the ventricles, it can lead to normal pressure hydrocephalus. This condition can happen at any age but is more common among older adults and can lead to problems with walking, bladder control, and cognitive functions like thinking and reasoning, according to the NINDS. "Good Morning America" has reached out to Joel's rep for additional comment about his diagnosis. Christie Brinkley calls ex-husband Billy Joel 'OUR piano man' after brain diagnosis originally appeared on
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
All you need to know about: Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Music legend Billy Joel made headlines on Saturday (May 24) after announcing the cancellation of several upcoming concerts due to a diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). The news left many fans wondering what exactly this condition is, and why it can be so disruptive. NPH is a rare but potentially treatable neurological condition that mainly affects older adults. It is marked by a slow buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain's ventricles, the fluid-filled spaces that help cushion the brain. Despite the increased volume of fluid, the pressure inside the skull remains normal, hence the name. But the effects can be serious. Problems with walking, memory, and bladder control are common, and the symptoms can easily be mistaken for other age-related disorders like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. Here's what you need to know about NPH, how it develops, how it's diagnosed, and why early treatment can make all the difference. What is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus? NPH is a type of hydrocephalus, a condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up in the brain's ventricles, causing them to enlarge and put pressure on surrounding brain tissue. This fluid normally cushions the brain and spinal cord, but when it doesn't drain or absorb properly, it can lead to brain damage. While NPH typically affects older adults, congenital hydrocephalus is present at birth and is usually caused by genetic factors or developmental disorders and acquired hydrocephalus, on the other hand, develops later in life due to factors like brain injury, infection, tumour, bleeding, or complications from surgery. What are the symptoms of NPH? According to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), people with NPH typically develop a trio of symptoms that worsen over time. These include trouble walking, memory and thinking difficulties, and problems with bladder control. Walking may become unsteady; patients may shuffle, take short steps, or struggle to turn. Cognitive symptoms often include forgetfulness, slowed thinking, or a lack of attention and interest in daily activities. In some cases, the person may become withdrawn or seem confused. Bladder symptoms, such as frequent urination or incontinence, may also appear and can be mistaken for unrelated issues. The NINDS says the symptoms of NPH can become severe and even life-threatening if left untreated. A 2019 review published in the journal Dementia and Neuropsychologia notes that while both NPH and Alzheimer's disease cause memory problems, the underlying brain changes are different. In NPH, the cognitive decline is mainly due to issues in parts of the brain responsible for processing speed and decision-making, leading to what's called a 'subcortical' type of dementia. Alzheimer's, on the other hand, is marked by damage to the brain's cortex and is often associated with language loss, disorientation, and difficulty recognising familiar objects. What are the types of NPH? There are two known types of NPH. The first is called idiopathic NPH, which means it appears without any known cause. This form primarily affects older adults and is the most commonly diagnosed type. The second type is known as secondary NPH, which can occur after a brain injury, stroke, infection, hemorrhage, or even as a complication following brain surgery. Despite these differences, both types involve the same underlying problem, which is disruption in the brain's ability to circulate and absorb cerebrospinal fluid properly. According to the United States' National Center for Biotechnology Information, both are also considered 'communicating' forms of hydrocephalus, meaning that while CSF can still flow between the ventricles, its absorption into the bloodstream is impaired. According to the NCBI, this imbalance in fluid absorption is central to the development of NPH. Diagnosing NPH is often challenging because its symptoms develop slowly and can easily be mistaken for other neurological disorders. Who can get NPH? Although NPH is more common in older adults, it can occur in people of all ages, particularly in its secondary form. What makes it especially important to identify is that, unlike many other forms of dementia or neurological disease, NPH can often be improved or reversed with treatment. Early intervention offers the best chance of recovery, studies suggest. Without it, symptoms may gradually worsen and significantly reduce a person's quality of life. How is NPH diagnosed? According to the U.K.'s National Health Service (NHS), a proper diagnosis involves a combination of physical and cognitive evaluations along with brain imaging. Doctors often assess how a person walks, their memory and reasoning abilities, and their ability to control their bladder. Brain scans, such as a CT or MRI, are used to detect enlarged ventricles that indicate a buildup of fluid. In some cases, further testing is needed to determine if a person might benefit from surgery. This may involve a lumbar puncture, where a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is drawn from the lower back. If the removal of fluid leads to noticeable improvement in symptoms, surgery may be recommended. Other tests, like lumbar drainage over a few days or a lumbar infusion test, may also help determine how well the body manages CSF and whether intervention will help. How is NPH treated? The main treatment for NPH is the surgical insertion of a shunt — a small tube that drains excess fluid from the brain to another part of the body, usually the abdomen, where it can be safely absorbed. This procedure can relieve pressure on the brain and ease symptoms, especially if done early. However, shunts can sometimes become blocked, infected, or fail, which means that patients may need further surgeries over time. According to NINDS, researchers are currently studying new shunt designs, including smart shunts that can monitor pressure and adjust drainage automatically, potentially reducing the need for repeat surgeries. Studies are also underway to see whether electrostimulation of neck muscles can improve CSF flow and reduce pressure inside the brain.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What is normal pressure hydrocephalus, the brain disorder affecting Billy Joel?
Singer Billy Joel said Friday he was recently diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a brain disorder. He said it's affected his hearing, vision and balance. The brain disorder can cause problems with walking, bladder control and thinking. In a statement, Joel said he's undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to pause performances while he recovers. Here are some facts about the condition. What is hydrocephalus? Hydrocephalus is an abnormal buildup of fluid within the brain. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is produced in the brain's four hollow ventricles or chambers, protects and cushions the brain and spine and normally gets reabsorbed into the bloodstream. But when the flow of CSF to the outside of the brain is interrupted or blocked, too much builds up. What happens in normal pressure hydrocephaly? Normal pressure hydrocephaly can result from a blow to the head, infection, tumour, a complication of surgery or other reasons. But many people develop it without any of these factors, according to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The increase in CSF happens slowly enough that pressure does not increase in the skull. Normal pressure hydrocephaly is more likely to be diagnosed in people over the age of 55. Joel is 76. Another type of hydrocephaly is congenital hydrocephalus, which is present at birth. It can be caused by health conditions, such as spina bifida. How is it diagnosed? When normal pressure hydrocephalus is suspected, a family physician may refer you to a neurologist. The specialist evaluates how the person walks, processes information and speaks and may order tests and imaging, such as a CT scan. The symptoms of normal pressure hydrocephalus are similar to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, the advocacy group Hydrocephalus Canada said. "The combination of dementia-like symptoms, altered walking (shuffling feet, short steps, a feeling like one's feet are stuck to the floor) and urinary incontinence should alert your health care provider to consider [hydrocephalus]," the group said. Bladder function may also be affected. What are the treatment options? In the most common treatment, surgeons place a shunt that drains the excess CSF from the brain to elsewhere in the body, such as the chest cavity. A shunt is a flexible piece of tubing that is attached to a valve that controls the flow of CSF.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Billy Joel cancels all scheduled concerts due to diagnosis with normal pressure hydrocephalus
Editor's note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and ABC News. Billy Joel has canceled all of his scheduled concerts due to a recently diagnosed health condition, the legendary singer said on Instagram. On Friday, a statement shared on his Instagram revealed he was recently diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus. 'This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance,' the statement said. 'Under his doctor's instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.' The statement went on to say that Joel is 'thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health. He is grateful for the support form fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage.' Separately in the statement shared on his Instagram page, Joel shared a message to his fans. 'I'm sincerely sorry to disappoint our audience, and thank you for understanding,' he said. 'Good Morning America' has reached out to Joel's rep for comment. Normal pressure hydrocephalus is one of two types of hydrocephalus, an 'abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid deep within the brain,' according to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
