Billy Joel was diagnosed in May 2025 with a brain condition called normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). This condition involves a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, which disrupts brain functions and affects hearing, vision, balance, memory, and movement. Due to his diagnosis and the worsening of his symptoms from recent concert performances, he canceled all his upcoming tour dates through 2026 to focus on treatment and physical therapy. Joel has described his symptoms as including hearing, vision, and significant balance problems, comparing the feeling to "being on a boat." Despite these challenges and the ongoing recovery process, he has said he feels "good" and wants fans to know he is not "deathly ill," emphasizing that the label "brain disorder" sounds worse than his actual experience. Normal pressure hydrocephalus can be treated, sometimes with surgery, and Joel is undergoing physical therapy as part of his recovery. His team has expressed that he is grateful for the care he is receiving and is prioritizing his health, with hopes of returning to performing in the future. The condition is considered relatively uncommon and its exact cause often remains unknown. In summary, Billy Joel's health issues stem from normal pressure hydrocephalus, which has temporarily impacted his ability to perform but is being actively addressed with medical care and therapy. He remains positive about his condition and his recovery journey.