Billy Joel shared an update on his health nearly two months after he announced he had been diagnosed with a brain disorder.
Joel, 76, canceled all of his upcoming concerts in May following his normal pressure hydrocephalus diagnosis.
Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a condition in which cerebrospinal fluid builds up inside of the skull and presses on the brain, according to Cleveland Clinic. The condition is often treatable and sometimes reversible.
Joel told Bill Maher his health is still not fixed, but “it’s being worked on” on the July 21 episode of Maher’s podcast, “Club Random with Bill Maher.”
“I feel fine,” Joel said. “My balance sucks. It’s like being on a boat.”
Maher asked why, and Joel said it was a good question.
“It used to be called water on the brain. Now it’s called hydrocephalus — normal pressure hydrocephalus.”
Maher then asked what causes the condition, and Joel replied, “Nobody knows.”
“I feel good,” Joel said. “They keep referring to what I have as a brain disorder, so it sounds a lot worse than what I’m feeling.”
Normal pressure hydrocephalus can affect thinking, concentrating, memory, movement and more, according to Cleveland Clinic. The three main symptoms are gait issues, urinary incontinence and cognitive difficulties.
The condition is treatable, though it depends on what type of normal pressure hydrocephalus the patient has, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Often, the condition is treated via surgery, in which a device called a shunt is implanted to help excess fluid flow.
In May, Joel canceled his upcoming shows, saying in a statement that the condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to issues with hearing, vision and balance.
“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 said. “Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health.”
Joel added that he was sincerely sorry to disappoint his audiences, and thanked them for understanding.
In March, the singer had postponed his scheduled tour dates as he recovered from surgery for an unspecified medical condition.
