In recent weeks, the music world received the sad news regarding the deteriorating health of the singer. Celine Dion. His sister, Claudette Dion, was the one who confirmed the information.
One of the most famous voices on the planet and winner of five votes GrammyCeline faces stiff person syndrome, a disease that has no cure. She was diagnosed in late 2022.
Since then, the singer has been living with her family and focusing on treatment, but the worsening of her condition was inevitable. In May this year, she canceled her “Courage World Tour,” which was scheduled to begin in August and continue until April 2024.
Last week, the sad news came: Celine is now suffering from a progression of the disease and has lost control of her muscles. But what is this disease that afflicts the singer? Understand below.
What is stiff person syndrome?
Singer Celine Dion's voice is one of the most famous voices in the world – Image: Reproduction
Stiff person syndrome is a a rare diseaseNervous and without treatment. It affects one or two people in every group of one million people and usually affects mainly women.
The first signs of the syndrome appear between the ages of 20 and 50; However, since it is a progressive disease, it tends to be discovered later, after the age of 50. This was even the case of Celine Dion, who was diagnosed with the condition at the age of 54.
When reaching the nervous system, the main symptoms of stiff person syndrome are spasms and severe muscle stiffness. Over time, it affects the trunk and abdominal muscles, causing the individual to develop a hunched posture.
It can also reach the respiratory muscles. Furthermore, to make the condition worse, people with the disease often develop greater sensitivity to pain, that is, they have an increased sensation of pain.
Origin of the syndrome
The exact cause of stiff person syndrome is still something that challenges science. What is known today is that the disease may have an autoimmune origin, that is, when the person who is diagnosed develops antibodies that attack the cells that control the muscles.
Other than that, the syndrome is also closely related to those who have or have had it breast cancerlung, thyroid, kidney, and colon, as well as Hodgkin lymphoma and type 1 diabetes.
Treatment depends on the configuration of each case. Currently, there are some medications that relieve muscle pain and stiffness. According to doctors, it is possible to have a good life, as long as you receive the right treatment.
Charlotte Whitmore is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a broad range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and practical information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the UK and beyond.