What is Stiff Person Diagnosis? Celine Dion reveals diagnosis of rare neurological disease

Celine Dion has opened up about her recent Stiff Person Syndrome diagnosis after the Canadian singer has battled the rare neurological disease for two years.

The ‘My Heart Will Go On’ singer revealed her ongoing health battle as she announced the cancellation of her upcoming shows in Europe.

Celine was forced to postpone her Las Vegas residency in late 2021, worrying fans, as her health declined with ‘severe and persistent muscle spasms’.

While the 54-year-old had kept quiet about her health over the past 12 months, the recent diagnosis proved that the muscle spasms were a result of Stiff Person Syndrome.

The rare neurological disease has features of an autoimmune disease which can create muscle spasms due to heightened sensitivity to stimuli such as noise, touch and emotional distress.

Celine told her 5.2 million followers in both French and English: “Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life. Sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal chords to sing the way I’m used to.”

Celine made the heartbreaking revelation: “All I know is singing. It’s what I’ve done all my life. And it’s what I love to do the most.”

Celine revealed that the disease only affects one in a million people, in an Instagram post, with health experts still learning about the rare condition.

In addition to professionals continuing to understand the disease, Celine added that she was working hard with sports medicine therapists to build back her strength to perform again, although admitting it was ‘a struggle’.

As a result Celine said: “It hurts me to tell you that I won’t be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February.”

If you would like to know more information about Stiff Person Syndrome, please visit the Contact website or the University College London site.