Celine Dion has postponed her Courage tour in light of being diagnosed with a rare neurological condition. The disorder is called Stiff Person Syndrome and it affects one in a million people.
According to Yale medicine, the main symptoms of Stiff Person Syndrome are “muscle stiffening in the torso and limbs, along with episodes of violent muscle spasms.” While the cause is still unknown, some speculate it may be due to an autoimmune reaction. Since it can be triggered by environmental stimuli like loud noises or emotional stress. Though the muscles do gradually relax once the trigger is removed. People with this disorder also have lower levels of the neurotransmitter GABA, which helps regulate anxiety.
Dion posted a video message to her Instagram revealing that she had the disorder and explaining its effects on her. “While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all of the spasms that I’ve been having,” she said. “Unfortunately, the 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.” The muscle spasms Stiff Person Syndrome causes can be so severe that they cause the person to fall down.
Because of Stiff Person Syndrome’s obvious effects on Dion’s quality of life, let alone the ability to preform, she announced she’d be postponing her tour. This is the third time it has been postponed. Previously health issues were cited, but no diagnosis was shared.
The Canadian singer says “I miss seeing all of you, being on the stage, performing for you,” with tears in her eyes. “I always give 100% when I do my shows, but my condition is not allowing me to give you that right now.”
We wish Dion all the best in managing this disorder.
