Danny Bonaduce is set to undergo brain surgery after spending a year battling an illness that has left him unable to walk.
“The Partridge Family” star, 63, revealed the surgery news during an interview with TMZ on Friday, saying he was finally diagnosed with hydrocephalus in March following appointments with more than 100 doctors.
Hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder caused by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the cavities of the brain. Symptoms in adults include problems with balance, blurred vision and memory loss, according to the National Institutes of Health.
“I can’t figure out what caused it, because I’ve done so many stupid things,” Bonaduce self-deprecatingly admitted while speaking to TMZ.
“I took a guitar to the head on a reality show and that hurt and was possibly the cause of all this,” he added.
Bonaduce didn’t disclose when the surgery will take place but said the procedure will involve the insertion of a drain port in the back of his head to get rid of excess fluid.
The longtime star first went public with his health battle in April last year, announcing he was taking a leave of absence from “The Danny Bonaduce & Sarah Morning Show” on Seattle radio station KZOK, which he has hosted since 2011.
“Some news to share. I’m taking a temporary medical leave from my radio show,” he tweeted at the time. “I’ll share more when I know more. I’m still working towards receiving a diagnosis. What I know is, I need time to focus on my health. I love my job and talking to you guys & I’ll be back on the air soon.”
Bonaduce subsequently spent almost a year meeting with dozens of doctors who were left baffled by his condition.
“Nobody could figure out what it was… I was falling down,” he told TMZ. “I can’t walk currently.”
Finally, a specialist diagnosed Bonaduce with hydrocephalus.
Bonaduce (far right) appeared on “The Partridge Family” from 1970 – 1974. Courtesy Everett Collection The veteran star says he hopes the surgery will help immediately improve his condition.
In the meantime, radio bosses have installed a studio at his home so that he is able to continue broadcasting.
While speaking with TMZ, Bonaduce also paid tribute to his wife, Amy Railsback, to whom he has been married since 2010.
“She has been taking good care of me,” he cooed.
