Canadian singer Céline Dion has revealed she’s suffering from the rare neurological disorder stiff person syndrome. The singer announced the news in a video shared on her social media channels, noting that she’s had to either cancel or postpone all of her upcoming shows as she learns to live with the condition.
“I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time, and it’s been really difficult to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through,” Dion said. “Recently I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called the stiff person syndrome, which affects something like one in a million people.”
Céline Dion diagnosed with stiff person syndrome
According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a disorder of unknown origin, and is characterised by painful muscle spasms and progressive muscle stiffness. Various treatments are used to alleviate difficulties faced by those experiencing SPS, but it’s regarded as incurable, with around 65% of those affected unable to function independently.
“While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all of the spasms that I’ve been having,” Dion said. “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 was due to resume touring in February 2023, but as the result of the SPS diagnosis, she’s cancelled a number of dates scheduled between May and July 2023. Her shows planned for February and April 2023 have been postponed until 2024.
Further Reading
A Bonkers New Unauthorised Céline Dion Biopic Is Raising Eyebrows
UK Man Gets Drunk, Legally Changes Name To Céline Dion
Watch John Farnham & Céline Dion Do A Surprise ‘You’re The Voice’ Duet In Melbourne
