19 December 2023 , 14:29
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Celine Dion has been left with no "control over her muscles" after being diagnosed with a one-in-a-million incurable condition.
The 55-year-old singer revealed last year that she has been battling a neurological disorder known as stiff person syndrome. Now, her older sister Claudette Dion has shared a heartbreaking update about Celine.
"She's working hard, but she doesn't have control over her muscles. What breaks my heart is that she's always been disciplined," Claudette said during an appearance on Canada's TV station 7 Jours.
Here, we've taken a look at stiff person syndrome and the symptoms people might suffer.
What is Stiff Person Syndrome?
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Celine Dion was diagnosed with stiff person syndrome last year (AFP via Getty Images)Celine Dion was forced to cancel her world tour last December after being diagnosed with stiff person syndrome. This devastating health condition is an extremely rare autoimmune neurological disorder which impacts the brain and spinal cord.
Scientists are still working at determining the cause of stiff person syndrome, but researchers suspect it may be the result of an autoimmune reaction. It's believed to be caused by the body attacking it's own nerve cells, which leads to difficulties with muscle control.
Stiff person syndrome is a spectrum with a number of disorders falling under the term. Most people with the syndrome have unique antibodies in their blood, which block enzymes that help make a crucial acid called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The acid blocks certain nerve signals which can cause nerve cells to act in incorrect ways.
The symptoms
The singer has lost control of her muscles (Getty Images)
She was forced to cancel her tour after being diagnosed with stiff person syndrome (NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)Celine has now lost control of her muscles after being diagnosed with stuff person syndrome. The most common symptom of the neurological disorder is painful muscle contractions and spasms which start in the legs and back.
Spasms can also affect the abdomen, and less often the upper trunk, arms, neck and face. They usually occur when the patient is surprised or startled. Sudden movements, cold temperatures and emotional stress can also set off spasms, according to John Hopkins Medicine.
The muscle contractions can cause difficulty walking and unsteadiness, which can result in falling and injuries. People might also experience a stiff or rigid posture and chronic pain.
Other symptoms include shortness of breath, eye movement problems which cause double vision, speech issues and lack of coordination. Those diagnosed with stiff person syndrome may also develop anxiety and agoraphobia due to falls caused by spasms.
Treatment and diagnosis
Celine is hopeful that she will one day make a return to the stage (AFP via Getty Images)According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders, stiff person syndrome is sometimes misdiagnosed as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, psychosomatic illness or anxiety. A definitive diagnosis can be made with a blood test that measures the level of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies.
There is currently no treatment that cures the disorder, but a person can work with a specialist to manage symptoms, making it easier to live with the condition. Several symptoms can improve with an anti-anxiety and muscle relaxant medication or with drugs that alleviate muscle spasms.
A study funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) found intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment is effective in reducing stiffness, touch and stress and for improving the pattern of movement in the limbs and balance for people with stiff person syndrome. IVIg contains natural antibodies produced by the immune system derived from thousands of healthy donors.
'Syndrome Celine Dion diagnosed with left me unable to put my socks on'