Céline Dion, 54 years old: “I have Stiff Person Syndrome, a serious rare neurological disease”

Is called Stiff person syndrome (SPS) the serious neurological disease that struck the 54-year-old singer Celine Dion. It transforms those who suffer from it into sorts of “human statues” as it progressively blocks the body in rigid positions, making them unable to walk or speak. Although there is no specific cure for SPS, there are treatments that slow its progression, and with a moving video posted on her Instagram profile, Celine Dion reveals that she is doing everything possible to minimize the symptoms of this disease.

In the video, the singer recounts how the diagnosis came after a long period of spasms and muscle pain whose nature was not well understood and which created problems in walking, as well as in performing her performances.

“I’ve been struggling with health issues for a long time and it’s been really hard for me to face these challenges and talk about everything I’ve been through,” says Celine. «I was recently diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called “stiff person syndrome” that it affects one person in a million. While this rare condition is still being learned about, I now know that this is what has been causing all the spasms I’ve been suffering from lately.”

Strengthened by the affection of her children, of those who love her and the presence of an excellent team of doctors who are following her on this path, Celine Dion communicated with great regret to the fans that she will have to cancel the concert tour already planned to take care of your own health.

“Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when walking and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing like I’m used to. It’s painful for me to tell you that I won’t be ready to restart my tour of Europe in February. I miss you so much. I miss getting on stage and performing for you. I always give 100% when I do my show, but my condition now wouldn’t allow it. To get back to you I have no choice but to focus on my health and hopefully I am on the road to recovery. That’s my goal and I’m doing everything I can to recover. I want to thank you so much for your well wishes, love and support through social media. This means a lot to me», says the singer, then concluding with an exhortation: «Take care of yourself. I love you so much and I really hope to see you again very soon.”

What is Stiff Person Syndrome and how does it manifest itself?

Stiff-person syndrome affects the central nervous system, but has neuromuscular manifestations, meaning it causes progressive muscle stiffness and spasms.

Much more frequent in women than men it is often associated with other autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, thyroid, vitiligo And pernicious anemiaHowever, the true causes are currently unknown.

According to what is reported by the MSD Manualthe clinical manifestations of this syndrome involve muscle stiffness, increased tone and spasms that progress insidiously to affect the trunk and abdomen and, less severely, the lower and upper limbs. Otherwise, the patients do not present any other problems, and the physical examination shows only muscle hypertrophy and stiffness. Generally speaking, stiff person syndrome progresses, leading to disability and stiffness throughout the body.

There is no definitive cure for the disease, but prompt initiation of therapy is essential to prevent or reduce progression and avoid long-term complications. Most patients improve with medication, although fluctuations and relapses induced by physical and emotional stressors can occur.

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