Singer Celine Dion touched the hearts of many with her melodious 'My Heart will go on' from the iconic movie Titanic.
The Canadian singer has been grappling with some health issues for a while. However, those seem to have exasperated her as she has been diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder.
Dion posted an emotional video on social media revealing that she has been diagnosed with a condition known as Stiff-person Syndrome. She further added that she has decided to cancel her Europe tour in February.
Stiff-person Syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disorder associated with rigidity and spasms. Dion feels this condition to be the reason why she has been facing these spasms for a long time.
She further revealed that these spasms affect every aspect of her daily life, causing difficulties in walking and even her ability to use her vocal cords the way she used to.
She concluded by saying that she has a "great team of doctors" and is supported by her children. Dion apologized for reaching out to her fans this late. She wishes to get back on the stage performing for her fans again as soon as possible.
Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by spasms, stiffness, and rigidity. It affects primarily the trunk or torso muscles leading to postural deformities. It occurs in only about one in a million people. The cause of the disorder is also unclear. SPS can usually be triggered by noise, light physical touch, or emotional distress.
Muscle spasms
Muscle stiffness
Postural changes
Rigidity
SPS does not have a specific laboratory test to detect itself. It is diagnosed either clinically or by excluding other diseases. Some methods include:
Electromyography (EMG)
Responsiveness to diazepam
There is no evidence-based or guidelines-based treatment for SPS. Certain treatment approaches include:
Intravenous immune globulin
Diazepam and other benzodiazepines
Botulinum toxin
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)