Celine Dion has revealed that she has been diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder called stiff person syndrome and has to reschedule her 2023 tour dates.
In a emotional videothe Canadian singer has shared the news of her health issues, which she says “affect every aspect of my daily life”.
“I’ve been dealing with health issues for a long time, and it’s been very difficult for me to deal with those challenges and to talk about all that I’ve been through,” she said. “Recently, I was diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called stiff-person syndrome, which affects around one in a million people.”
The condition affects the brain and spinal cord, causing extreme muscle stiffness, rigidity, and painful spasms that can generate enough force to fracture a bone.
WATCH | Dr Ritesh Ramdhani explains stiff person syndrome:
The diagnosis has solved the mystery behind serious medical issues that have led her to cancel performances for the past two years.
“While we are still learning about this rare disease, we now know that this is what caused all the spasms I have had. Unfortunately, these spasms affect all aspects of my daily life. It sometimes causes me difficulties when I walk and does not allow me to use my vocal cords to sing as I am used to,” she continued.
Stiff-person syndrome is a rare neurological disorder with features of other autoimmune diseases, according to The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It affects twice as many women as men, according to the organization and scientists do not yet know what causes the disease.
The singer has announced that she will be postponing her 2023 tour to focus on her health.
“It pains me to tell you today, it means I will not be ready to resume my tour of Europe in February,” she said.
Dion said she relied on the support of her children who gave her hope and listened to her “great team of doctors” to rebuild her strength and ability to perform again.
“I have to admit it’s been a struggle. All I know is sing. That’s what I’ve done all my life. That’s what I love to do the most,” a- she declared.
Speaking to his fans, Dion said: “I miss you so much. I miss you all. Being on stage. Playing for you. I always give 100% when I do my shows, but my condition doesn’t allow me to give this to you now. For me to join you, I have no choice but to focus on my health at this time and hope that I am on the road to recovery. That is my goal. and I’m doing everything I can salvage.”
Late last year, Dion had also planned a triumphant return to Las Vegas, but “severe and persistent muscle spasms” kept her from performing on both the tour and the upcoming residency.
There are treatments for stiff person syndrome, but there is no cure.
“As the neurological community, an incident like this, a high profile celebrity starts talking about the condition, it will definitely raise awareness,” said Dr Jin Li of Westchester Medical Center.
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