Celine Dion out and about in New York City

Celine Dion Reveals She's Been Diagnosed With THIS Incredibly Rare Neurological Disorder

Home / News / Celine Dion Reveals She's Been Diagnosed With THIS Incredibly Rare Neurological Disorder

By Favour Adegoke on December 9, 2022 at 5:00 PM EST
Updated on December 11, 2022 at 12:55 PM EST

Music legend Celine Dion has informed fans of her rare neurological disorder diagnosis.

The singer shared in an Instagram video that the condition was the cause of her muscle spasms, which forced her to postpone her tour earlier in the year.

"The Power of Love" hitmaker also revealed that her health challenge had taken a toll on her but that she was doing her best and working with professionals to regain her strength. However, she was still in no condition to resume her tour, which was slated to continue in February.

After making the announcement, fans of Dion took to the comment section to empathize with her and send in get-well wishes.

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'It's Been Really Difficult For Me' 

Celine Dion
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Dion took to Instagram on December 8 to inform fans of a health condition she was diagnosed with a while ago. The music veteran shared that she had an extremely uncommon neurological disorder known as stiff-person syndrome.

"As you know, I've always been an open book. I wasn't ready to say anything before, but I'm ready now," Dion told her fans in an emotional video.

The singer then shared that she had been "dealing with problems with [her] health for a long time" and revealed that it had taken a huge toll on her emotionally.

She added, "It's been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I've been going through."

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According to Hopkins Medicine, the stiff-person syndrome is so rare that it affects only "one or two people per million." The condition, which affects the central nervous system, "causes progressive muscle stiffness and painful spasms" and can be brought on by a myriad of factors like cold, sudden movement, and unexpected loud noises.

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Celine Dion Is Working Hard To Build Back Her Strength

Celine Dion Cancels Tour Due to Health Problems
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While Dion's announcement is sure to scare her fans worldwide, the singer eased their concerns by reassuring them that she was currently receiving the best medical care.

She added that the support and optimism she receives from her children, twins Eddy and Nelson, 12, and René-Charles, 21, whom she had with her late husband René Angélil, has helped her stay strong.

Despite seeming upbeat about the future, the singer acknowledged that she and her team are still researching the condition to determine the best course of action. Dion also revealed that she was putting a lot of effort into recovering her strength to climb the stage again.

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"I'm working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform again. But I have to admit, it's been a struggle," the "I Drove All Night" crooner revealed.

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Fans React To News Of Celine Dion's Health

Céline Dion
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Following the announcement, fans penned heartfelt messages in the comment section, wishing Dion a speedy recovery as she focuses on her health.

One fan said, "You are so brave! We love you, thank you for opening up to us and telling us about this condition. Please stay safe, health is first. You are the best of the best."

Another follower commented, "Thank you for all you have done and will continue to do when you defeat this thing, and you will. We love you Celine."

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One more follower wrote, "Sending so much love. Look after yourself, people will wait as long as it takes for you to be well again," while another said, "Brought me to tears! Celine, you're so strong and I am praying for you! We love you so much!!"

Celine Dion Won't Be Restarting Her Tour In February

Céline Dion
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Regarding her ongoing therapy, Dion said that the condition's symptoms were affecting all aspects of her daily life, most importantly, the use of her vocal cords. And despite being on the "road to recovery," she won't be able to restart her postponed tour.

"[The condition is] not allowing me to use my vocal chords to sing the way I'm used to. It hurts me to tell you today, this means, that I won't be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February," she said.

Dion postponed her Courage World Tour earlier in the year after her "severe and persistent muscle spasms" made it difficult for her to perform. She had previously pushed back the tour during the onset of the pandemic.

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"I'm so sorry that we have to change our tour plans for Europe one more time," the singer announced on her Instagram page in April. "First, we had to move the shows because of the pandemic. Now, this is my health issue that is causing us to postpone some shows. And unfortunately, we have to cancel some, too."

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