Celine Dion Unveils Startling Initial Signs Of Rare Stiff-Person Syndrome: ‘Voice Began to Sound Nasal’
Well-known singer and public figure, Céline Dion, recently revealed her initial fear when she began experiencing symptoms that were later diagnosed as stiff-person syndrome (SPS).
During an interview with NBC News, she shared how terrifying the first signs were. “I went on stage and noticed my voice sounding more nasal,” Dion explained. “I could have blamed it on a cold or fatigue from consecutive shows, but it felt different. My body felt increasingly rigid.”
These symptoms arose while Dion was on her 2008 Taking Chances World Tour, where she was extremely ill and frightened by her undiagnosed condition. She eventually had to cancel all her performances until the official confirmation of her diagnosis in December 2022.
Learn More about SPS and its Symptoms
“It’s like someone is strangling you. It feels like there’s pressure on your larynx/pharynx,” Dion described her experience with the viewers. Stiff-person syndrome is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder that predominantly causes muscle stiffness and spasms that can become life-threatening over time.
Discussing how the pain progresses, she added, “It turns into a spasm. It started in the throat, and despite my optimism, it spread to the abdomen, spine, and ribs.”
Spasms are a key feature of this syndrome, accompanied by slurred speech and double vision. Dion discussed her condition in her new documentary, I Am Celine Dion.
Céline Dion’s Determination to Perform for her Fans
Despite her setbacks, Céline Dion expressed her love for her fans and how she persevered through her symptoms.
“We adjusted the songs to lower keys,” Dion remarked. “I gave it my all because my fans honored my invitation, and I couldn’t disappoint them. I had to deliver my best performance.”
She emphasized that no matter the circumstances, she would return to the stage even if it meant crawling, as her passion for performing is unparalleled. “Singing is my life’s work, my greatest love,” she added.
I Am Celine Dion will premiere globally on Prime Video on June 25, 2024.
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