Story of Celine Dion’s Fight With Rare Neurological Disorder Called Stiff Person Syndrome Will Make You Respect Her Even More
- Queen of Power Ballads Celine Dion felt her world go off axis when she was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome.
- The neurological disorder makes it harder for people to move around due to persistent muscle spasms.
- Dion is eager to get back on stage and undergoing treatment to get better.
There was a time when fans of music couldn’t make a playlist without including songs by the wonderful Celine Dion. Deemed the Queen of Power Ballads, Dion has some classic hits to her name that continue to leave listeners spellbound.
Dion has an honorable legacy that spans over 4 decades with 230 million records and 5 Grammy Awards. The international superstar is still widely loved and admired by all. However, a sudden twist in her life due to a diagnosis in 2022 turned her life upside down.
Celine Dion’s neurological disorder: What is Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS)
Though it was diagnosed in 2022, Celine Dion shared that she felt something wrong with her muscles as early on as 2008 when she was on tour. Stiff Person Syndrome affects the brain and muscles of the person as they get stiff without notice and hinder mobility. As a singer and performer, it was important for Dion to remain fit and healthy on her feet.
The rare autoimmune neurological disorder causes muscle spasms that can make it very difficult for the person to move around. It is known to get worse over time and needs a strict medical regimen to get better. Though no cure has been found for the same, adequate medical attention can help minimize the symptoms. Stiff Person Syndrome is more common in women and can even cause slurred speech.
Celine Dion shared her diagnosis in 2022
The diagnosis changed her life as she had to undergo treatment and change her lifestyle to get better. It even caused her to cancel the tour and concerts she had aligned which deeply saddened her fans.
In an Instagram video, Dion revealed what it was like to live with Stiff Person Syndrome where she said,
Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to. All I know is singing. It’s what I’ve done all my life, and it’s what I love to do the most.
Fans were finally made aware of her health condition due to which she was unable to make many public appearances. Nevertheless, everyone wished for her speedy recovery so that she could enhance the music industry further.
I Am: Celine Dion shares insight into her journey
Eager to remain a beloved public figure and in touch with her fans, Dion announced a documentary called I Am: Celine Dion that shares an insight into her diagnosis and subsequent journey. Her efforts to get better and perform again are all documented in the same. Amazon MGM acquired the rights to the documentary which also sheds light on how the singer manages to live with the disorder every single day.
Moreover, her motivation to record her struggles was also to raise awareness for the disorder that afflicts many people across the globe. Looking at her condition might give other people some power to get through life and even find some happiness in the process. Dion cannot wait to get back on stage to perform for her fans, but her progress will understandably be gradual.
I Am: Celine Dion is streaming on Prime Video.
