The legendary musician Celine Dion recently shared tragic video of herself fighting stiff person syndrome (SPS) and experiencing a severe seizure. The video, which is from the “I Am: Celine Dion” documentary on Prime Video, depicts the singer going through horrifying 10-minute seizures and periods of excruciating pain. The 56-year-old musician is rendered immobile for a few minutes following the full-body seizure.
After watching Ms. Dion record a new song, viewers are treated to a physical therapy session in the film. The 56-year-old can be seen on a massage table, lying down as her body continues to tremble violently. The singer moans and sobs as she is attended to by medical professionals who give her a soothing massage on her back and a nasal spray meant to ease the symptoms of cluster seizures.
Sports medicine therapist Terrill Lobo said, “Part of the disease is that as soon as you go into a contraction, sometimes the signal to release it doesn’t understand, so it ends up just staying in a contracted position.”
In order to show viewers the reality of her struggle with stiff person syndrome and to increase awareness of the condition, the Grammy-winning singer insisted that the film remain in the documentary. Ms. Dion has been candid with her fans about how SPS has impacted her life and business ever since she was diagnosed.
What is Stiff Person Syndrome?
In 2022, the singer received a diagnosis of stiff-person syndrome, a rare and progressive neurological condition.Notably, her ability to sing has been impacted by symptoms that she has had for more than 17 years.
“A rare disorder of motor function characterised by involuntary stiffness of axial muscles and superimposed painful muscle spasms, which are often induced by startle or emotional stimuli,” is how the Mayo Clinic defines stiff person syndrome. Estimates place the prevalence of the autoimmune neurological illness at one in a million.
It can be brought on by things like cold, loud noises, and mental distress and can impair posture and balance, making walking difficult.Anti-anxiety drugs, immunotherapies, and muscle relaxants are used in treatment.
Watch full video:
Source: NDTV