Celine Dion diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, incurable disorder that affects roughly 1 in a million

Celine Dion says she’s been diagnosed with a very rare incurable neurological disorder called stiff-person syndrome.

The Quebec-born superstar made the announcement on Instagram on Thursday, saying she’s pushing her spring 2023 shows to 2024 and is cancelling eight of her summer 2023 shows.

“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 … It hurts me to tell you that I won’t be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February.” Dion, 54, wrote on her Instagram page.

Dion says the disorder affects around one in a million people. She said she’s been dealing with health problems “for a long time.”

“We now know this is what has been causing all of the spasms I’ve been having. Unfortunately these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life.” Dion says in the video.

Dion went on to say that spasms caused by the disease are affecting her ability to walk and to use her vocal cords to sing the way she’s used to.

She said her “precious” children are supporting her and giving her hope. Dion said she’s working with a sports medicine therapist to build her strength but admits “it’s been a struggle.”

“All I know is singing,” Dion said, “It’s what I love to do the most.”

She said she misses being on the stage performing.

“I always give a 100 per cent when I do my shows, but my condition is not allowing me to give you that right now,” a teary Dion said.

She said she has no choice but to concentrate on her health at this moment and thanked her fans for their support.

“I have hope that I am on the road to recovery,” Dion said.

What is stiff-person syndrome?

According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, stiff-person syndrome is believed to be an auto-immune disorder, although the exact cause of it is unknown. It typically impacts people between 30 and 60 and although it was originally called “stiff-man syndrome,” most of those with the condition are women.

Stiff-person syndrome is described by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke as fluctuating muscle rigidity (stiffness) and heightened sensitivity to stimuli like noise, touch, and emotional distress, which can set off repeated and painful muscle spasms. Researchers say that those with the disorder often develop “abnormal postures,” (hunched over and stiffened) and can become too disabled to walk. They sometimes avoid leaving home for fear that loud street noises like construction or car horns will trigger spasms and falls.

There is no cure for stiff-person disorder.

Treatment with anti-anxiety drugs, muscle relaxants, anti-convulsants, and pain relievers can and typically do improve symptoms of the disorder. Health experts say most individuals with the disorder are prone to frequent falls and because of the disorder, can severely impact normal defensive reflexes and injuries can be severe.

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