The five-time Grammy Award winner, 76, introduced Friday that he has the standard strain hydrocephalus (NPH), which happens when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulates inside or across the mind.
“This situation has been exacerbated by latest live performance performances, resulting in problems with listening to, imaginative and prescient and stability,” the announcement mentioned on Joel’s web site.
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“Under his physician’s directions, Billy has undergone sure bodily remedy and is suggested to chorus from implementing this restoration interval.”
What causes regular strain hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is a normal time period that describes the buildup of extra fluid within the mind.
“The fluid, referred to as cerebrospinal fluid, is continually produced in a fluid-filled area within the middle of the mind, referred to as the ventricle,” Potts mentioned. “It flows by means of the ventricle, across the floor of the mind and spinal wire, the place it’s reabsorbed.”
Hydrocephalus can happen for quite a lot of causes, together with an infection, mind trauma, and bleeding throughout the mind, medical doctors mentioned.
“This situation has been exacerbated by latest live performance performances, resulting in auditory, imaginative and prescient and stability points.”
Normal strain hydrocephalus is a model of a situation that’s often seen in older folks, the place cerebrospinal fluid accumulates with out growing the strain within the mind.
Despite the truth that strain stays regular, NPH can have an effect on mind perform, particularly areas of thought, reminiscence, motion and focus, in line with the Cleveland Clinic.
NPH signs
The three important results of NPH are strolling issues, urinary incontinence and cognitive problem. Collectively, these signs are often called the “Hakim Triad.”
According to Mia Kazanzian, MD, a board-certified radiologist for particular person observe primarily based in Connecticut, cognitive points can embrace reminiscence loss, sluggish pondering and difficulties.
The five-time Grammy Award winner, 76, introduced Friday that he has the standard strain hydrocephalus (NPH), which happens when cerebrospinal fluid accumulates inside or across the mind. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)
According to medical doctors, urinary incontinence means lack of bladder management, which may trigger discomfort, anxiousness and embarrassment.
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“This can predispose somebody to bladder infections and pores and skin irritation,” she warned. “If somebody has to get up in the course of the evening for this, she or he is prone to fall. Plus, it may lead somebody to socially isolate, resulting in a way of loneliness.”
Walking dysfunction signifies that an individual’s steps are unstable, there’s a lack of stability and the ft can keep on with the bottom, shuffle or freeze, Kazanjan mentioned.
“The hazard is that somebody can collapse and keep the trauma from a critical harm,” she warned.
Normal strain hydrocephalus is a model of a situation that’s often seen in older folks, the place cerebrospinal fluid accumulates with out growing the strain within the mind. (istock)
Although in lots of instances this situation could also be mistaken for dementia, some instances of NPH will be handled and reversed.
The solely identified danger issue for NPH is age, famous by the Cleveland Clinic, with a median age of onset of about 70.
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Other components reminiscent of race, gender, and ethnicity don’t appear to have an effect on the probability of the situation that happens.
Approximately 0.2% of 70-80 folks develop NPH, affecting roughly 5.9% of individuals over the age of 80. The above supply states.
This situation is identified by means of a mixture of neurological examinations, lab testing, and diagnostic imaging (MRI or CT scan). (istock)
Only about 0.003% of individuals underneath the age of 65 will acquire the situation.
“Around 30% of individuals with NPH additionally undergo from Alzheimer’s illness or comparable degenerative mind illness,” Cleveland Clinic mentioned.
Diagnosis and therapy
This situation is identified by means of a mixture of neurological examinations, lab testing, and diagnostic imaging (MRI or CT scan).
The most typical therapy for NPH is a surgical process referred to as a “shunt.” Here, a tool with two tubes referred to as a shunt is embedded to control the quantity of fluid within the mind.
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“The different finish often goes someplace in your physique that may reabsorb fluid within the stomach.”
The solely identified danger issue for NPH is age, with a median age of onset of roughly 70.
“Shunts are extra sophisticated than only a tube. Often there are valves that regulate how a lot fluid flows.”
Some new shunts will be programmed to alter the velocity of fluid circulation from exterior the physique, Potts added.
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Symptoms often resolve inside hours or days of the shunt implantation. The surgical procedure itself often entails restoration for days or perhaps weeks.
Experts emphasised that well timed therapy is important to forestall extreme or everlasting harm to the mind from strain brought on by extra fluid.