Alexa Ray Joel 'Feeling Much Better' After Fainting Onstage at Cafe Carlyle

Alexa Ray Joel, the 28-year-old singer/songwriter and daughter of Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley, is recovering after fainting onstage during a show at Café Carlyle, according to The New York Times.

Joel was two songs into her final performance of a two-week run when she collapsed on Saturday evening. She was rushed to the New York Presbyterian Hospital emergency room, where doctors said her fainting spell was caused by vasovagal syncope, according to Ms. Joel's spokeswoman, Claire Mercuri.

Mercuri told The New York Times that Joel had not been feeling well earlier that day. She said Joel "had taken ill earlier in the afternoon and announced from the stage that she pulled out her back and neck, but wanted the show to go on."

Vasovagal syncope occurs when the body overreacts to certain triggers and causes a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure. The drop reduces blood flow to the brain, which causes a brief loss of consciousness. Vasovagal syncope is usually harmless and requires no treatment. Joel is said to be doing well.

"I wanted to thank everyone for coming out to support me," Joel said in a statement. "I was excited and determined to fulfill my final performance and I really wanted to end my run with a bang, but this was not what I had in mind and hope I have the opportunity to make it up to the wonderful audience very soon."

Check out the full story at The New York Times.

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