Overview
- On Thursday Billy Joel told listeners on his SiriusXM channel that he has had a shunt implanted for normal pressure hydrocephalus and that his memory, balance and daily function have measurably improved.
- Joel first disclosed his NPH diagnosis in 2025 after balance problems and a stage fall led him to cancel planned concerts; the exact date and clinical details of the recent operation have not been made public.
- A shunt is a small tube that diverts excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain’s ventricles to another body cavity to relieve pressure and in many patients can improve walking and thinking.
- His doctors have recommended he step away from loud, high‑impact rock shows because they said repeated exposure can act like repeated concussive stress and may damage vulnerable brain nerves.
- Joel is following a rehabilitation plan of physiotherapy and dietary changes reported by his daughter Alexa Ray Joel, and he has told fans he is recovering and not to worry while he focuses on healing.