What Illness Does Celine Dion Have? What Is Stiff Person Syndrome, Its Causes, And Symptoms? Her Health Issues Explained
Celine Dion disclosed today that she has a neurological condition that is one in a million and is incurable while holding back tears.
The 54-year-old musician suffers stiff person syndrome, a condition marked by terrifying and frequently violent muscle spasms.
Although the exact cause is unknown, scientists believe that an autoimmune reaction in which the body attacks nerve cells in the central nervous system is to blame.
Extreme muscle stiffness that severely limits mobility and occasionally necessitates the use of a walker or wheelchair is the result. Additionally, the condition may result in spasms powerful enough to break bones.
Sufferers often have heightened sensitivity to noise, sudden movements, and emotional distress – meaning something as simple as a knock on the door can lock patients inside their body.
Celine told fans in an emotional Instagram video that she would have to cancel her upcoming European tour in February — but said she has a great team of doctors as well as her children supporting her.
Here’s everything we know about the extremely rare condition:
Celine Dion today revealed she is suffering with the one-in-a-million condition stiff person syndrome
What is stiff person syndrome?
A very unusual condition called stiff person syndrome causes the muscles in the torso and limbs to oscillate between spasming and rigidity.
The condition is known as “human statue illness.” It can induce severe enough spasms to dislocate joints and break bones.
According to estimates, it only affects 330 people in the US and about 70 persons in the UK. It affects around two times as many women as men.
Patients may become crippled by the illness, which worsens with time and necessitates the use of a wheelchair or walker.
There are three types of the syndrome:
- Classical person man syndrome: When rigidity and spasms are around the back and stomach, and occasionally thighs and neck. It can cause back curvature over time.
- Stiff limb syndrome: Spasms especially affect the legs and feet, occasionally causing them to become fixed in place. Hands can also be affected.
- Jerking stiff person syndrome: The rarest, most aggressive form, which includes symptoms from both the others, and also affects the head and eyes.
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What causes it?
Experts are unsure about the specific cause of the sickness.
They do, however, think that an autoimmune reaction, in which the body targets its own nerve cells that regulate muscle function, may be to blame.
Type 1 diabetes, another autoimmune condition, affects about 40% of patients. Classical person syndrome is notably linked to type 1 diabetes.
It is also linked to other autoimmune diseases such pernicious anemia and vitiligo, which create white areas of skin.
Along with lymphomas, the illness is also more prevalent in persons with breast, lung, kidney, thyroid, or colon cancer. However, researchers are unsure of the cause.
In stiff person syndrome, the immune system attacks a protein that helps make gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which regulate motor neurons — the nerves that control movement.
Low levels of GABA cause the neurons to continuously fire when they are not supposed to, resulting in the spasms and rigidity.
What are its symptoms?
The torso and limbs’ spasms and rigidity are the key signs and symptoms of stiff person syndrome.
Loud noises have been known to cause spasms, and the syndrome also causes increased sensitivity to sound.
The disease can also make touch and emotional suffering more acutely sensed.
The spasms can be so bad that they make people trip over themselves, make them have trouble walking, or create other disabilities.
Additionally, persons who have the illness typically experience higher levels of stress and worry, especially given how unpredictable spasms can be.
The lack of GABA — which regulates anxiety — in their system also affects mental health.
How is it diagnosed?
The illness can be difficult to diagnose due to its rarity and perplexing symptoms, which are frequently mistaken for Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis (MS).
However, two tests can be used to prove stiff person syndrome in medical professionals.
The first tests the blood for antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), a protein that was previously mentioned.
Although levels are also higher in persons with type 1 diabetes, high levels of GAD antibodies suggest stiff person syndrome may be present.
An electromyogram (EMG), the second examination, evaluates the condition of the muscles and motor neurons.
Doctors use a needle to monitor the electric activity in the afflicted muscles.
Is there a cure?
No. Unfortunately doctors are unable to reverse or cure the lifelong condition.
However, the majority of people can receive medications to help control their symptoms.
Diazepam and baclofen, two drugs that both suppress spasms, can help control episodes and lessen stiffness.
In order to raise GABA levels, some individuals with more severe symptoms also get medications that control their immune systems.
In some circumstances, immunoglobin infusions can be used to change the blood’s antibody levels.
Also suggested are drugs like sedatives and steroids.
Patients are frequently given instructions for physical and aquatic treatment while waiting for their muscles to heal.
