Celine Dion has Stiff Person Syndrome - here's what it is

Celine Dion has Stiff Person Syndrome - here's what it is

Celine Dion revealed in a video on Instagram that she suffers from Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare neurological disorder that causes muscle spasms and affects her singing abilities.

The singer speaks directly to her fans in the clip, seemingly holding back tears as she announces the news, including the fact that she will be postponing upcoming concert dates to focus on her health. She also expresses how much she misses being on stage and is excited to return.

Five of the most common autoimmune diseases, explained

“As you know, I’ve always been an open book,” Dion says. "And I wasn't ready to say anything before, but I'm ready now. I've been dealing with issues with my health for a long time, and it's been really difficult for me to face these challenges and talk about everything that I've been through," she explains.

“I was recently diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called Stiff Person Syndrome, which affects around one in a million people,” the 54-year-old continues. The condition is characterized by muscle stiffness in the body and increased sensitivity to stimuli, including noise, touch and emotional stress, which can cause muscle spasms, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

People with SPS may have trouble walking and moving and may be afraid to leave the house because external stimuli could trigger muscle spasms. It affects twice as many women as men and is often associated with other autoimmune diseases such as diabetes and vitiligo, the NINDS reports.

"While we're still learning about this rare condition, we now know that this is the cause of all my cramps," Dion says in the recent video. “Unfortunately, these cramps affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulty walking and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing as I am accustomed to.”

It's not clear what causes SPS, but research suggests it's the result of an autoimmune reaction in the brain and spinal cord, according to NINDS. The condition is often misdiagnosed as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia or anxiety.

“I have a great team of doctors working alongside me to help me get better and my precious children who support me and give me hope,” says Dion. “I'm working hard every day with my sports medicine doctor to rebuild my strength and performance, but I have to admit it's been a struggle.”

Treatments such as anti-anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants and pain relievers can help control the symptoms of SPS, but they cannot cure the disorder, the NINDS notes.

I was diagnosed with epilepsy without even knowing I had seizures

Dion has postponed concert dates until 2024 to focus on her health. “I always give 100 percent when I do my shows, but my condition doesn’t allow me to give that to you right now,” she says. "So that I can reach you again, I have no choice at this moment but to focus on my health. And I have hope that I am on the road to recovery."

The "My Heart Will Go On" singer ends the video with a thank you message for her fans who show their love and support on social media. “It means a lot to me,” she says. "Take care of yourselves. Take care. I love you so much and I really hope I can see you again soon."