“Céline Dion’s Uncommon Health Struggle Revealed”
Dion revealed that she had received a diagnosis of a “very rare” progressive neurological disorder called stiff-person syndrome, which was likely unfamiliar to most people.
In an Instagram video, she said, “As you know, I’ve always been an open book. I wasn’t ready to say anything before, but I’m ready now. I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time, and it’s been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through.”
Dion explained that the muscle spasms from the disorder affected “every aspect” of her daily life, making it difficult to walk at times and ultimately preventing her from going back on tour as she had planned.
“I’m working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform again,” Dion shared. “But I have to admit, it’s been a struggle.”
According to the National Institutes of Health, symptoms of stiff-person syndrome include stiff muscles in the torso, arms, and legs, as well as increased sensitivity to noise, touch, and emotional distress, all of which can lead to muscle spasms.