Celine Dion’s health condition shows ongoing improvement. In the previous year, the 55-year-old artist received a diagnosis of the uncommon neurological condition known as stiff-person syndrome.
A renewed wave of headlines about the Grammy Award-winning singer and her uncommon medical condition has surfaced following a recent interview with Céline Dion’s sister Claudette in a Quebec magazine.
The singer has been compelled to cancel her “Courage World Tour” dates through 2024 due to complications arising from stiff-person syndrome, a rare neurological condition characterized by spasms and muscle rigidity. This information was conveyed in a statement posted on the star’s social media account on Friday.
The Cancellation Announcement by Celine Dion
In the Instagram announcement of the tour’s cancellation, Dion expressed her regret, explaining that she was working diligently to regain her strength. She acknowledged the challenges of touring, even at full capacity, and expressed that it would be unfair to the audience to continue postponing the shows.
Despite the emotional difficulty, she stated that it was best to cancel all performances until she was genuinely prepared to return to the stage. Dion reassured her fans that she was not giving up and eagerly anticipated the opportunity to see them again.
About Stiff Person Syndrome
Stiff person syndrome is a medical condition characterized by muscle rigidity, spasms, heightened sensitivity to stimuli like sound and lights, and emotional distress leading to muscle spasms, as outlined by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Over time, individuals with this syndrome may develop hunched-over postures, according to the NINDS.
Typically, the condition begins with muscle stiffness in the central part of the body, specifically the trunk and abdomen, before progressing to stiffness and spasms in the legs and other muscle groups, as explained by the Cleveland Clinic.
Dr. Emile Sami Moukheiber of the Stiff Person Syndrome Center at Johns Hopkins Medicine noted that the muscle spasms associated with this syndrome can be severe, causing falls, intense pain, and significant disability. Falls resulting from these spasms are common and can be triggered by stimuli such as startled, strong emotions, or cold weather.
These spasms are potent enough to cause bone fractures, and any fall may result in severe injury. In a December Instagram video, Dion disclosed that spasms impact “every aspect” of her daily life, hindering her ability to walk normally and preventing her from using her vocal cords to sing in the accustomed manner.
She expressed the emotional difficulty of sharing this information. Additionally, stiff person syndrome can induce anxiety in individuals affected by the condition.
What are its Causes?
Stiff person syndrome, displaying autoimmune characteristics, is often linked to conditions like type-I diabetes and thyroiditis. While its exact cause is unclear, research suggests an autoimmune malfunction in the brain and spinal cord. Elevated GAD levels, measured through a blood test, characterize the syndrome.
Diagnostic tools include electromyography and a lumbar puncture. Due to its rarity and vague symptoms, stiff person syndrome is commonly misdiagnosed as other conditions. Diagnosis typically takes around seven years, during which patients may face misunderstandings and may be erroneously labeled.
Treatment Options
While there is no known cure for stiff person syndrome, symptom relief is achievable through medications. Immunoglobulin medications can decrease sensitivity to triggers like light or sound, potentially preventing falls or spasms.
Treatment may also involve pain relievers, anti-anxiety medications, muscle relaxers, and botulinum toxin injections administered by the Stiff Person Syndrome Center. Additional benefits may be derived from acupuncture, physical therapy, heat, and water therapy. If left untreated, the disease can lead to significant impairment of daily living, warned Moukheiber.
Despite facing health challenges, Celine Dion is supported by a dedicated medical team and her children. She acknowledged her ongoing efforts with a sports medicine therapist to regain strength and resume performing, though she admitted it had been a struggle. For a performer like Dion, loud noises and bright lights could potentially act as triggers for muscle spasms.
What Her Sister Said?
Recently, Claudette Dion, who is not only her sister but also a musician in her own right, divulged fresh details about the pop icon’s challenges to 7Jours magazine.
Claudette conveyed to the magazine, through a French translation, that Celine is exerting considerable effort, but she lacks control over her muscles, which is particularly distressing given her lifelong discipline and strong work ethic. Claudette further expressed the enduring aspiration of the Dion family for Celine to make a comeback on stage.
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