Tears streamed down Celine Dion’s face as she watched The Rolling Stones perform at their recent Las Vegas concert. The 56-year-old songstress, known for hits like “My Heart Will Go On,” had to halt her own tour after being diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome (SPS) in 2022. This rare neurological disorder brings about symptoms like muscle stiffness and spasms.
While Dion had initially kept her health battle private, her sister Claudette Dion revealed to reporters last year that the singer was struggling with loss of muscle control. Dion herself admitted last month that navigating SPS has been one of her toughest challenges. Nevertheless, she remains resolute about returning to the stage and embracing a normal life.
SPS is a rare and progressive condition affecting the nervous system, primarily the brain and spinal cord. According to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, fewer than 5,000 individuals in the US are diagnosed with SPS, often mistaken for Parkinson’s disease. Those afflicted, primarily women between 40 and 50, endure chronic pain, mobility issues, and heightened sensitivity to stimuli like noise and sudden movements, triggering muscle spasms.
