Celine Dion shares health update on stiff-person syndrome ahead of Paris shows
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- Céline Dion shared an update on her battle with stiff-person syndrome, detailing symptoms that began 17 years before her diagnosis.
- The rare neurological disorder causes muscle stiffness and spasms, with no known cure but manageable symptoms.
- Dion is undergoing intense rehabilitation, including physical and vocal therapy, and is preparing for upcoming shows in Paris.
Céline Dion is offering a candid look at her ongoing health journey with stiff-person syndrome (SPS), revealing that symptoms of the rare neurological disorder began manifesting 17 years before her official diagnosis in August 2022. In a recent interview, the Grammy-winning singer described the debilitating effects of the condition.
It is a progressive condition. I don’t like to say ‘disease.’ Disease makes you go like this... ‘Kevin, you’re such a disease.’
Stiff-person syndrome is characterized by muscle stiffness, particularly in the torso, arms, and legs. It also heightens sensitivity to noise, touch, and emotional distress, which can trigger painful muscle spasms. While the exact cause of SPS remains unknown, researchers suspect an autoimmune response where the body mistakenly attacks nerve cells crucial for muscle control. Currently, there is no cure, but medical professionals manage symptoms through medications like sedatives, muscle relaxants, and steroids.
Dion recounted periods of intense pain that made walking difficult, relying on high doses of Valium to maintain basic function. She prefers to describe her condition as "progressive" rather than a "disease," referencing a quote from the movie Home Alone to illustrate her point. Following her diagnosis, Dion committed to an intensive rehabilitation program that includes new medications, physical therapy, vocal therapy, and immunotherapy.
It’s been so long, I would like to offer them something to show how I’ve missed them.
Despite the challenges, Dion is preparing for her return to the stage with upcoming shows in Paris on September 18, September 25, October 2, October 9, October 16, and October 17. She recently performed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, singing Édith Piaf’s "Hymne A L’Amour." Dion expressed her eagerness to connect with her fans, stating, "It’s been so long, I would like to offer them something to show how I’ve missed them." She emphasized her gratitude for their support, adding, "They paid for tickets. They bought my records. They gave me that luxury. So the least I can do is tell them that I’m alive."
They paid for tickets. They bought my records. They gave me that luxury. So the least I can do is tell them that I’m alive.
To prepare for these performances, Dion engages in rigorous physical training, including 90-minute Pilates sessions three times a week and ballet classes twice a week. She describes this phase of her life as a continuous cycle of "falling and getting back up repeatedly." Annie Horth, Dion's head of wardrobe and creative adviser, promised fans an "grandiose" experience for the upcoming shows.
She goes from intimate a
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Originally published by Global News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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