Celine Dion’s battle with stiff person syndrome is bringing awareness to this rare condition.
In December 2022, the singer revealed her diagnosis while also canceling and rescheduling her 2023 shows.
In a 2022 Instagram video, Celine Dion shared, “I’ve been facing health challenges for a long time and it has been very difficult for me to confront these obstacles.”
The documentary “I Am: Celine Dion”, released on Tuesday, chronicles her journey with the diagnosis.
Dr. Richard Nash, a physician with the Colorado Blood Cancer Institute, remarked, “It has drawn attention to this particular disease.” He has conducted research on autoimmune diseases like stiff person syndrome.
“Treatment options are not very effective, so often when patients are diagnosed with stiff person syndrome, the disease tends to progress,” he explained.
Stiff person syndrome, also known as SPS, is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder that can cause muscle stiffness or painful spasms, affecting each person differently. Symptoms can be triggered by stressful events or changes in temperature.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, only about 1 in 1 million people are diagnosed with this condition.
Medical experts note that Celine Dion’s openness about her diagnosis has shed light on the research being conducted on this incurable disorder.
“Celebrities or well-known individuals often become advocates for diseases, encouraging research and awareness,” Dr. Nash added.
Dr. Nash is actively involved in studies and research on treatments for this condition.
For example, a study he participated in showed that patients with stiff person syndrome who underwent a stem cell transplant experienced clinical improvements in stiffness index and walking time. The study was published in January.
“This is ongoing research, as we continue to explore the benefits and risks associated with these treatments,” Dr. Nash emphasized.
