Billy Joel can’t drive or perform following brain disorder diagnosis

Billy Joel says he is not allowed to drive and cannot perform following his diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus, a brain disorder involving excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles. He told the Hollywood Reporter that every time he does a show, it feels like getting a concussion, according to what his neurologist told him.

Joel canceled concerts in May 2025 after revealing two months earlier that he had the condition, which has been exacerbated by recent performances and led to problems with hearing, vision, and balance. He said he is undergoing specific physical therapy under his doctor’s instructions and has been advised to refrain from performing during recovery.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus can cause cognitive issues, difficulty walking, loss of bladder control, and mild dementia with short-term memory loss. It is one of the few causes of dementia that can be controlled or reversed with surgical treatment, usually involving a shunt. It is unclear whether Joel underwent the procedure.

For now, Joel reports he is 'OK' and calls the diagnosis 'not that serious,' but neurologists have warned him about the risks of performing, including stress from lighting and sound. He said they need to test him further to see if he can return to performing, which he would like to do.

Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal