Celine Dion Postpone her European tour Due to Diagnosed Rare Neurological Disease
Celine Dion, a Canadian pop diva, had to postpone her European tour due to a rare neurological ailment called stiff-person syndrome, which causes growing muscle stiffness and muscle spasms.
The onset of symptoms may occur suddenly, or they may occur over the course of months or years, typically between the ages of 30 and 60.
Muscle spasms can linger for minutes or even hours and be caused by anything from loud noises to little physical contact to stress or situations requiring a heightened emotional reaction, NORD stated.
The inability to walk, which may progress to the need for a wheelchair if the syndrome is not treated, and the consequential impact on everyday life are serious consequences of the condition.
Celine Dion, who has postponed or canceled shows around Europe, revealed the cause of her spasms in a sad Instagram post on Thursday. “While we’re still studying about this unusual ailment, we now know this is what has been causing all of the spasms I’ve been having,” she wrote.
“Unfortunately, the spasms influence every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing issues when I walk, and not allowing me to use my vocal chords to sing the way I’m used to,” she continued.
Incorrect Diagnose for Celine Dion
In 1956, doctors first noticed this phenomenon, which they called “stiff-man syndrome.” The original name was modified because of the fact that women now make up the majority of clients.
Although its precise origin is uncertain, researchers believe it is an autoimmune disorder that frequently co-occurs with other autoimmune diseases.
Electromyography, which measures muscle electrical activity, and antibody testing (for things like GAD antibodies) are both useful in diagnosing stiff-person syndrome.
However, a new study from the United States shows that the disease is frequently misdiagnosed as a variety of non-neurological conditions.
The researchers concluded that “improved diagnostic accuracy will reduce exposure to unneeded therapies and health care costs” in their article published in the journal Neurology.
Treatment options are limited to symptom management, such as over-the-counter medications for reducing muscle stiffness and spasms.
According to NORD, it is not uncommon to combine medication with alternative treatments including massage, acupuncture, and stretching.
‘I have a terrific team of doctors working alongside me to help me get better,’ Dion wrote on Instagram.
Every day, I’m putting in time with my sports medicine therapist to get stronger and get back to full strength and performance.
