Céline Dion announced in December 2022 that she had been diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare neurological disorder characterized by muscle stiffness and painful spasms. This condition is thought to be an autoimmune disease, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the central nervous system, affecting areas of the brain and spinal cord that control muscle movement. SPS can make even basic movements challenging, as the muscles can seize up painfully and unpredictably.
For Dion, this diagnosis has significantly impacted her ability to perform, leading her to cancel and postpone several tour dates to focus on her health and treatment. SPS is extremely rare, affecting only about 1 in a million people, and treatment usually involves medications to manage symptoms, like muscle relaxants, anti-seizure drugs, and immune-modulating therapies.
Dion has been vocal about her struggles with SPS, expressing her determination to keep fighting the disease while prioritizing her health.