Celine Dion reveals that she is going through a rare neurological syndrome.
Celine Dion has canceled several European tour dates due to a recent diagnosis of a rare neurological condition that is stopping her from singing.
The superstar singer suffers from the stiff-person syndrome, which affects “one in a million people,” according to Dion, 54, in an emotional video posted Thursday to her verified Instagram account.
Celine Dion revealed on Thursday morning that she has Stiff Person Syndrome, an untreatable and rare neurological disease that can cause severe muscle spasms.
The Canadian singer revealed in an emotional Instagram video that her condition, which affects approximately one in a million people, has forced her to cancel or postpone a series of upcoming concerts.
“I’ve had health issues for a long time, and it’s been extremely hard for me to tacle these challenges and talk about everything that I’ve been through. It hurts me to inform you that I won’t be able to restart my European tour in February, “Dion wrote in the post’s caption.
The 54-year-old said in the video that while the condition affects her everyday life and causes discomfort, she is glad to finally understand what’s happening.
“The spasms affect all areas of my everyday activities, sometimes making it difficult to walk and restricting me from using my vocal cords to sing as I used to. I must admit that it has been difficult. While we’re still understanding about this rare disease, we now know that it’s what’s been causing all of my spasms.”
The mother of three also stated that she has a “great team” of doctors who work to alleviate her symptoms and that her children have been instrumental in providing support and hope. She explained. “Unfortunately, these cramps affect every aspect of my regular living, sometimes making it difficult for me to walk and preventing me from using my vocal cords to sing as I used to.”
As per reports from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the stiff-person syndrome is “a rare and progressive condition that effects the nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord.”
According to the institute, “symptoms may include severe muscle stiffness, rigidity, and painful spasms in the upper and lower limbs, severely impairing mobility.” “Spasms have the potential to fracture bone.” Specific treatments “will improve the symptoms, but would not cure the disorder.”
Dion has been struggling with her health for some time, she admitted, adding that she has a great team of medical professionals and the support of her children.
“Every day, I work really hard with my sports medicine therapist to regain my strength and ability to perform,” she said. “However, I must admit that it has been difficult.”
The Grammy winner stated that singing is all she knows and loves.
“I miss you,” she said. “I miss seeing you all, being on stage and performing for you.” I always give my all during my performances, but my health prevents me from doing so.”
Dion possesses. “I’m hoping to be on the mend,” she said. “This is my primary focus.”
She expressed gratitude to her supporters for their “encouraging desires of love and support via social media.”
“This means a lot to me,” Dion tearfully concluded her message. “Look after yourself. Take care. I adore you all and hope to see you all again soon.”
According to the post, Dion’s spring 2023 concerts will be rescheduled for 2024, and eight concerts for summer 2023 will be canceled.
What is Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS)?
According to the Stiff Person Syndrome Foundation, the condition affects the central nervous system, particularly the brain and spinal cord.
SPS patients “may be disabled, wheelchair-bound, or bed-ridden, unable to operate or care for themselves.” Muscle spasms, toughness, and severe stiffness and pain characterize the syndrome.
SPS patients are also more sensitive to sensory input, such as noise, touch, and emotional distress, which can cause spasms.
While SPS is a rare condition, misdiagnoses cause more people to be affected than are reported. It can take a minimum of seven years to find out.
SPS is frequently confused with MS, Parkinson’s, fibromyalgia, psychosomatic illness, anxiety, phobia, and other autoimmune diseases.
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