It was announced this week that singer Celine Dion has a condition called Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), also known as Progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity. This is a rare neurological autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the nerves from the brain that control the muscles. Unfortunately, this results in stiff muscles and severe spasms in the torso and limbs, especially during stressful situations (emotional or physical stressors such as cold weather). Unfortunately, there is no cure. The condition is treated with muscle relaxants, pain control, infusions of antibodies called IVIG (intravenous immune globulin) that target the body’s antibodies attacking the nerves, and stretching and yoga.
The condition may also cause spasms in the neck, including muscles controlling the vocal cords, which is devastating to such a phenomenal singer. Very little is known about the disease at this time, but Johns Hopkins has a program dedicated to SPS. For more information on this disease, I recommend going to rarediseases.org, the website for NORD (National Organization of Rare Diseases). I hope that she is still able to use her beautiful voice and continue entertaining her fans.
