Dion, 54, of Stiff Person Syndrome, Lives and Dies During a Superstar Tonight: A Memorino
Dion has canceled numerous shows and postponed others because of health concerns which she had previously described as being “severe and persistent muscle spasms.”
The superstar singer has stiff-person syndrome, which affects “something like one in a million people,” Dion, 54, said in an emotional video post Thursday to her verified Instagram account.
The singer said she was suffering from stiff person syndrome, a neurological condition that causes severe muscle spasm and stiffening in the limbs.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, stiff-person syndrome is a rare progressive syndrome in which the brain and spine are affected.
Things like loud noise or sudden movement can cause the disorder to cause uncontrollable muscle rigidity. The spasms can cause falls, which can lead to more injury.
“I’m working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform every day,” she said. I have to admit it has been a challenge.
“I miss you so much,” she said. “I miss seeing all of you, being on the stage, performing for you. I always give 100% when I do my shows, but my condition is not allowing me to give you that right now.”
“This means a lot to me,” Dion concluded her message tearfully. “Take care of yourselves. Be well. I love you guys so much, and I really hope I can see you again real soon.”
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“Abnormal postures, often hunched over and stiffened, are characteristic of the disorder.” People with SPS can be too disabled to walk or move, or they are afraid to leave the house because street noises, such as the sound of a horn, can trigger spasms and falls,” the institute says.
According to the National Institutes of Health, researchers don’t fully understand the causes of the disorder but it could be a result of an illness in the brain and spine. People with SPS have elevated levels of antibodies that target an enzyme that synthesizes an important neurotransmitter in the brain.
Dion is one of the most successful vocalists of all time. She has sold more than 200 million records worldwide and has had multiple singles reach No. 1 on Billboard charts, including “My Heart Will Go On,” “The Power Of Love” and “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now.” She has resided in Las Vegas for many years and has been among the most profitable of all time.
The singer was set to begin a new residency at Resorts World Las Vegas sometime in 2023. It’s not clear when the residency will start. She also will make her acting debut in May, when “Love Again,” a romantic comedy with Priyanka Chopra, is scheduled for release.