Céline Dion is emotional so are her fans across the globe! The five-time Grammy-winning artist shared heart-breaking news about her health. On Thursday (Dec. 8), the Canadian singer took to Instagram and revealed that she has been diagnosed with “stiff person syndrome”. The rare neurological disorder causes her difficulties singing and moving. Read on to know more about this disease.
Losing What You Love The Most…
Céline Dion, a five-time Grammy-winning singer is facing her worst nightmare. Known for her incredible vocals, Dion has become a victim of bitter irony. The 54-year-old Canadian singer revealed today (Dec. 8) on Instagram that she has been diagnosed with “stiff person syndrome”, a rare neurological disorder. Sadly, it is affecting her singing, something she lives for.
She wrote on Instagram, “I’ve always been an open book and I wasn’t ready to say anything before. I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time, and it’s been really difficult for me to face these challenges … We now know [SPS] is what’s been causing all of the spasms that I’ve been having.”
As for her condition, the “My Heart Will Go On” singer revealed that these spasms have been affecting every aspect of her daily life, sometimes causing her difficulty in walking and not allowing her to use her vocal cords to sing the way she used to.
She also became emotional while expressing her love to her fans. The Canadian singer stated: “I miss you so much. I miss seeing all of you. Being on the stage. Performing for you. I always give 100 percent when I do my shows, but my condition is not allowing me to give you that right now.”
Celine continued, “For me to reach you again, I have no choice but to concentrate on my health at this moment,” she said of the difficult situation. “And I have hope that I’m on the road to recovery. This is my focus and I’m doing everything I can to recuperate. I want to thank you so much for your encouraging wishes of love and support on my social media. This means a lot to me.”
“Take care of yourselves. Be well. I love you guys so much and I really hope I can see you again real soon, Thank you” she ended her video in tears She has rescheduled her Spring 2023 show to 2024. Moreover, eight of her summer 2023 shows have been cancelled altogether.
As for her treatment, she added, “I have a great team of doctors working alongside me to help me get better and my precious children who are supporting me and giving me hope. I’m working hard with my support medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform again, but I have to admit it’s been a struggle.” She revealed that stiff person syndrome impacts “one in a million people,” sadly, she is the one.
What Is Stiff Person Syndrome? Is It Incurable?
According to the Stiff Person Syndrome Foundation, the rare condition affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. “Patients can be disabled, wheelchair-bound or bed-ridden, unable to work and care for themselves,” they say, adding that the neurological disease with autoimmune features can include symptoms like “hyper-rigidity, debilitating pain, chronic anxiety,” and muscle spasms “so violent they can dislocate joints and even break bones,” the website explains.
As for the symptoms, patients suffer muscle rigidity in the trunk and arms, often triggered by noise, touch and emotional distress. In Celine’s case, the condition is characterised by muscle spasms. Patients who contract this disease suffer from frequent falls because they lose their defensive reflexes.
Scientists haven’t figured out yet what causes this disorder, and it is often misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, psychosomatic illness, or anxiety and phobia. The sad part is that this rare and incurable neurological disease can cause debilitating muscle spasms. However, anti-anxiety drugs, anti-convulsants and muscle relaxants may improve the symptoms.
Despite this diagnosis, Dion is strong-headed and has decided to take up medication and therapy. Sadly, due to her condition, Dion’s Spring 2023 has been rescheduled to 2024. Moreover, eight of her summer 2023 shows (previously scheduled from May 31-July 17) have been cancelled altogether. We wish her a speedy recovery. Please share the article to spread awareness about this disease.
