CNN – Billy Joel canceled part of his tour because of a brain condition known as normal pressure hydrocephalus. Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains what it is, how it’s diagnosed, and what you should know if someone in your life is dealing with it.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta
Many of you apparently have been following the news because you saw that music legend, Billy Joel, recently canceled part of his tour after being diagnosed with a condition called normal pressure hydrocephalus, or NPH.
Now, hydrocephalus is a condition people often associate with infants, with babies. You might’ve heard it described as water on the brain. But the thing about hydrocephalus, it can also occur in adults, typically people over the age of 65. So I’ll tell ya, you know, Billy Joel, first of all, I love Billy Joel.
One of the first concerts I ever attended, I’m a huge fan. When I heard about his diagnosis especially as a neurosurgeon it really got my attention and judging from all the questions you’ve been sending in seems like it got your attention as well.
So today, we’re taking a closer look at NPH, normal pressure hydrocephalus. Kyra’s back with us. Kyra, who are we hearing from?
Kyra Dahring
Hey Sanjay! So today we’re starting off with a question from Robert in Wells, Maine, and he wants to know what causes hydrocephalus?
Dr. Sanjay Gupta
‘All right, Kyra, thank you. And Robert, thank for that question. Couple things first, couple basics. Cerebral spinal fluid, fluid that is circulating around the cerebrum, the brain and the spine …
