Billy Joel Addresses Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Diagnosis, Says It Sounds Worse Than It Is

Health Update

Billy Joel Doesn’t Want People Worrying About His Brain Disorder: ‘Sounds a Lot Worse’

The artist stepped away from performing following his normal pressure hydrocephalus diagnosis last year

By Larisha Paul

Larisha Paul

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September 30, 2026

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Billy Joel doesn’t want anyone fretting too much over his health. The artist stepped away from performing last year after being diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a brain disorder caused by an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles. Still, he doesn’t think it’s a big deal.

“I know people are worried about me because they read that I have a brain disorder, which sounds a lot worse than it actually is,” Joel recently shared on SiriusXM while taking calls from fans. “I’m okay. My balance isn’t that good. Lost a little bit of my hearing, but that may have to do with my age, too, and the rock and roll life and the loud volume probably didn’t help. But I’m fine. I want people to not have to worry about me. I’m okay.”

After initially refusing surgical intervention, Joel had a shunt implanted to alleviate some effects of the disorder. The procedure has helped to improve his memory, balance, and overall function, he shared earlier this month.

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_Originally reported by [Rolling Stone](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/billy-joel-update-on-brain-disorder-health-isnt-that-bad-1235634671/)._