In a recent interview with HELLO! Canada, Claudette Dion provided an update on her younger sister, Celine Dion, who was diagnosed with stiff person syndrome (SPS) last year. Despite the challenges posed by this rare autoimmune and neurological disorder, Claudette expressed her sister’s determination to recover and return to the stage.
“She’s doing everything to recover. She’s a strong woman,” Claudette said. Celine first shared her diagnosis with her fans in December 2022, leading her to cancel all her tour dates to prioritize her health and recovery.
SPS is a mysterious illness characterized by muscle stiffness and spasms, which can be debilitating. Claudette described the symptoms, comparing them to muscle cramps that are difficult to control. Celine’s family, including her sister Linda and her husband, has been a source of comfort and support during her battle with this condition.
Celine Dion’s fans have also rallied around her with an outpouring of love and support. Claudette highlighted the deep affection and admiration Celine’s fanbase holds for her, not just for her incredible voice but also for the person and mother she has become.
As Celine continues to fight this challenging disease, both her family and Celine herself are hoping that researchers will find a remedy for this rare illness. Currently, there is no known cure for SPS, but there are treatments aimed at managing the symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease.
Claudette emphasized that Celine is actively seeking help from some of the world’s leading doctors who specialize in this rare condition and is determined to learn as much as possible about it. While there is no cure for SPS yet, Celine is not giving up and is preparing herself for a potential return to the stage once she feels ready.
Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is indeed a rare autoimmune and neurological disorder that causes alternating muscle stiffness and spasms in the torso and limbs. While the exact cause remains unknown, researchers have linked it to an autoimmune reaction against a protein called glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), responsible for producing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Stiff Person Syndrome Common Symptoms#StiffPersonSyndrome #SPS #StiffPersonSyndromeAwareness #SPSAwareness #CommonSymptoms #RareDisease #autoimmune #AutoimmuneDisease #AutoimmuneDisorder #chronicpain #chronicillness #invisibleillness #InvisibleDisability @MHIIR_14 pic.twitter.com/YMFPKW8PhX
— MHIIR (@MHIIR_14) June 4, 2019
The primary symptoms of SPS include muscle stiffness and episodes of violent muscle spasms, which can occur in various parts of the body. These spasms are often triggered by environmental stimuli. Celine Dion’s decision to cancel her Courage tour dates came after her diagnosis started affecting her performances, and she aims to return to the stage when she feels ready to do so.