Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) – International superstar Celine Dion announced in a statement published Friday on her account on Instagram applicationcanceling her concerts as part of the “Courage World Tour”, which was expected in 2024, as a result of complications from the stiff person syndrome she suffers from, which is a rare neurological condition that causes spasms and stiffness in the muscles.
And Dion had previously announced in December 2022, through her official account on the Instagram website, the cancellation of many concerts that she was planning to perform during her European tour in February, because she had been suffering from health problems for a long time.
“While we are still learning about this rare condition, we now know that it is the cause of my spasms,” she said at the time.
Although she undergoes daily physiotherapy sessions, a source close to the famous singer told CNN that she is “in great pain.”
Announcing her tour’s cancellation on Instagram, Dion was quoted as follows: “I’m so sorry to disappoint you all again. I’m doing everything I can to get my strength back, but touring can be difficult even when you’re 100% healthy.”
She added, “It’s not fair to keep postponing shows, and even though it breaks my heart, it’s best if we just cancel everything now until I’m really ready to get back on stage again. I want you all to know I’m not giving up…and I can’t wait to see you again.”
Stiff person syndrome
Stiff person syndrome causes muscles to stiffen and spasm and increase sensitivity to stimuli such as sound and light, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
“It’s often associated with muscle spasms, which can be severe…and can cause falls, severe pain, and significant disability,” Dr. Emily Sami Mokheiber of the Stiff Person Syndrome Center at Johns Hopkins Medicine previously told CNN.
These spasms can be strong enough to break bones, and any fall could result in serious injury.
Who is at risk of developing stiff person syndrome?
Stiff person syndrome is very rare. About 1 in a million people develop the syndrome, Mokheiber said, and most neurologists will only see one or two cases in their lifetime.
The first case of stiff-man syndrome was reported in the 1950s, and the disease was historically referred to as “stiff-man syndrome”.
Since then, it has been discovered to affect women twice as often as men, and the name has been changed to Stiff Person Syndrome to avoid confusion.
This condition can develop at any age, but symptoms most often begin in your 30s or 40s, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
What causes stiff person syndrome?
Stiff person syndrome is thought to have hallmarks of an autoimmune disease, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Because the disease is rare and its symptoms are vague, people often seek care for chronic pain before they receive neurological care.
On average, it takes about seven years for someone to receive a diagnosis of stiff person syndrome, says Dr. Scott Newsom, director of the Stiff Person Syndrome Center.
How is stiff person syndrome treated?
There is no known cure for stiff person syndrome, but medications may relieve symptoms. Immune globulin medications can help reduce sensitivity to light or sound stimuli, which may help prevent falls or seizures.
Pain relievers, anti-anxiety medications, and muscle relaxants can be part of treatment for this condition. The Stiff Person Syndrome Center also uses botulinum toxin injections.
“If left untreated, the disease can disrupt the course of daily life,” Moukheiber said.
But with treatment, symptoms can be controlled.
The international singer confirmed that she is currently receiving the treatment she needs at the hands of an excellent team of doctors.
She said, “I miss everyone so much…and I can’t wait to be on stage and sing for you.”
For now, Dion needs to focus on her health, hoping she is on the road to recovery.
2023-05-27 14:31:01
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