Celine Dion: Inside singer’s 17-year secret struggle with Stiff Person Syndome – and why she’s finally ‘happy again’ The My Heart Will Go On singer has battled the condition out of the public eye and……………..Read more

Celine Dion has detailed the extent of her battle with stiff person syndrome revealing her symptoms began as early as 2008. The My Heart Will Go On singer, 56, announced her diagnosis to the world in 2022. Speaking to VOGUE France in May, the star admitted she has been dealing with side effects from the rare neurological disorder for the best part of two decades.

Imploring her fans to not ignore any adverse medical symptoms of their own, she said: “It might seem weird to say this, but I was happy when I was told what it was. I was finally going to be able to live with this illness and no longer suffer from it. I hope this won’t scare people off [from getting a diagnosis] and will alert them instead.

“It took me 17 years to understand what was going on. I beg of you, don’t wait that long!” she said

Celine Dion has revealed her Stiff Person Syndrome symptoms began as early as 2008

What is stiff person syndrome?
Stiff person syndrome is a rare neurological disorder. Symptoms include muscle rigidity in the trunk and arms, often triggered by noise, touch, and emotional distress. Celine’s condition is characterized by muscle spasms.

Celine’s condition can cause muscle spasms

People with stiff person syndrome suffer from frequent falls because they lack defensive reflexes to save themselves. Sufferers are often unable to walk or move, and it’s twice as common in women than in men.

Celine’s secret health battle
First noticing something was awry in 2008 during her Taking Chances world tour, the Canadian superstar said her voice would tremble when she hit the high notes. “I was struggling to control it. I was able to go very high, but then my voice was wracked with kind of spasms. I did what one is meant to do in these days: I went to see a doctor,” she recalled.