Celine Dion revealed a personal battle with a uncommon neurological dysfunction often called stiff-person syndrome. The singer’s announcement got here on Thursday through social media. In a brief clip, she defined she’s been coping with well being points for a “long time,” they usually’re now affecting her skill to carry out.
Unfortunately, this implies keen followers received’t get to see Dion carry out till not less than 2024. The caption on her announcement video reads, “Celine Dion rescheduled Spring 2023 shows to 2024 and cancels eight of her summer 2023 shows.”
“It’s been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through,” Celine stated. “Recently, I’ve been diagnosed with a really rare neurological disorder called the stiff-person syndrome, which affects something like one-in-a-million people. While we’re still learning about this rare condition, but we now know this is what’s been causing all of the spasms that I’ve been having.”
How Is Stiff-Person Syndrome Affecting Celine Dion?
Dion stated the spasms are extreme sufficient to have an effect on each side of her each day life, together with her profession. She experiences difficulties strolling and utilizing her vocal cords “to sing like [she] used to.”
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the dysfunction causes stiff muscle groups and better sensitivity to noise, contact, and emotional misery. This sensitivity can set off spasms. People with SPS additionally continuously fall, which might result in accidents.
Women are twice as more likely to have SPS syndrome as males. The signs can start to seem between the age of 30 and 60. Celine is 54.
There is reportedly no remedy right now, however the signs may be managed with remedy equivalent to muscle relaxers.
At this time, Dion is counting on her “great team” of medical professionals and specialists. She’s additionally leaning on her three kids, René-Charles and twins Nelson and Eddy, who she says are supporting her and giving her hope. Nonetheless, she says the journey has been tough.
“I’m working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform again,” Celine stated. “But I have to admit it’s been a struggle.”
Celine says, “all [she] knows is singing”–it’s what she’s accomplished all her life and what she “loves the most.” However, her stiff-person syndrome analysis received’t permit it. So, for now, her focus is on her well being and her hopeful street to restoration.