Celine Dion shares the diagnosis that has caused her to repeatedly postpone a number of performances in the past year.
Celine Dion is one of the most successful vocalists of all time. Best known for her number-one single, ‘My Heart Will Go On’ the singer has announced that she has been diagnosed with the rare neurological condition ‘Stiff Person Syndrome’.
In an emotional social media post on Wednesday, Dion shared that she’s been suffering from Stiff Person syndrome, the rare condition that affects only about one or two people in a million. which causes severe muscle spasms and stiffening in the limbs.
“Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to,” Dion said in an emotional video posted on Instagram, which she published in both her native french language and English.
“All I know is singing,” Dion said, growing emotional. “It’s what I’ve done all my life and it’s what I love to do the most.”
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With a heavy touring schedule of 50 shows planned out between now and 2024, Dion has already canceled 8 shows and rescheduled 23.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke defines stiff-person syndrome as a neurological disorder, which causes fluctuating muscle rigidity and spasms that are triggered by loud noise, cold temperatures, or sudden movement. The disorder can result in a hunched posture, and an inability to walk or move.
While not a lot is known about the disorder, the NIH says, it could be the result of an autoimmune disorder in the brain and spinal cord. And although there does not seem to be a cure, much in the way that MND, Motor neuron disease doesn’t, treatment with muscle relaxants and anti-convulsants can help improve and control symptoms.
Celine has shared that he has alot of support from her three children and that she is working with a therapist.
“I’m working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform every day. But I have to admit it’s been a struggle.”
