Canadian singer Céline Dion suffers from rigid person syndrome, an incurable neurological disease that affects the body's muscles (EFE/Etienne Laurent/File)
Only a year has passed since then Canadian singer Celine Dion The 54-year-old told the world that she had been diagnosed Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare and serious neurological disease The affects the nervous system and affects mobility.
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Stiff person syndrome is characterized by “episodes of stiffness and spasms in the body.” Muscles of the torso as well as the arms and legs”which are often produced by a increased sensitivity The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) points out noise, touch and in response to startle.
In December 2022, the international artist explained to her fans through a publication on her social networks: “I have had health problems for a long timeIt was very difficult for me to face them and talk about everything that happened to me. Although we are still learning about this rare disease, we now know what caused all the cramps.” Months later, in May this year, he had to do it Cancel your tour completely “Courage World Tour”, without return date.
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This week, Claudette DionSister of the singer of hits like “My heart Will Go On“, she said in an interview that the artist had lost control of her muscles and had to postpone her return to the stage indefinitely. In an emotional account, Claudette revealed that despite the efforts and discipline of Celine DionThe Muscle cramps who suffers from his condition uncontrollable.
The Canadian singer suffers from uncontrollable muscle spasms that have affected her mobility and ability to sing (Photo by Brian Rasic/WireImage)
The artist's sister also expressed concern about how the disease could affect her life vocal cords and that Heart by Celine, raising questions about the singer's future in the music industry.
The cardiologist and specialist in stress medicine Daniel Lopez Rosetti explained in Infobae that “the Stiff Person Syndrome It is an autoimmune disease that affects approximately one in a million people two thirds of cases are women. The age of onset is usually between 40 and 60 years“.
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Experts agree that little is known about the disease, which is called a Autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). In addition, it is commonly associated with other autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, thyroiditis, vitiligo and pernicious anemia, according to the NIH in the United States.
The Symptoms could include:
– Abnormal postures, such as B. hunched forward
– Episodes of muscle stiffness and spasms that occur due to increased sensitivity to sound, touch and as a startle reaction
– Falls due to cramps and muscle stiffness suffered by the patient when walking or standing
– Cerebral palsy and/or epilepsy
In December 2022, Celine Dion announced that she was suffering from a rare neurological disease
Dr. López Rosetti, President of the Stress Section of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), explained this neurological disorder manifests itself with a progressive muscle stiffness and is characterized by the presence of antibodies that attack the components necessary for production Neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acidThis results in muscle spasms that usually start in the lower extremities and then spread.
“The Muscles become stiffer and can appear cramps. In some cases the Agree can be influenced, caused Dysphoniaor it can be difficulties swallowingadded the cardiologist.
In the video where she told her fans how she lived with the disease, Dion explained in detail: “Unfortunately These cramps affect every aspect of my life. daily, sometimes causing Difficulty walking and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing like I normally do.”
“I'm working hard every day with my sports medicine therapist to regain my strength and performance,” Dion admitted in a video on her social media when she announced her illness.
The specialists of the United States National Institutes of Health (NIHfor its acronym in English) emphasize that treatment depends on the specific manifestations of each case and involves the use of medications such as: Benzodiazepines, diazepam or baclofenin addition to medication Anticonvulsants and for him pain.
Intravenous immunoglobulin therapies (IVIG) and Plasmapheresis (in which blood is drawn and purified to eliminate harmful antibodies) have also shown promising results Stem cell transplants autologous The Physio and occupational therapy It may also be helpful in slowing the progression of the disease.
“The results of the treatment are varied and depend on the individual response of each patient. Early detection and a personalized therapeutic approach are the key to improving the quality of life of those suffering from this syndrome,” explained López Rosetti, pointing out that available therapeutic options also include anti-anxiety medications (which stimulate the secretion of the affected neurotransmitter), muscle relaxants and the plasmapheresis procedure Response to treatment varies and it depends on each individual.
Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disorder that can take years to diagnose and tailor treatment
“We can't find medicines that work, but hope is important. “She listens to the best researchers in the field of this rare disease and will do so as much as possible,” Celine Dion’s sister said in an interview in August.
For patients in advanced stages of pathology it is very difficult to fall asleep They may also have difficulty at night go either speak. “It is a disease that we know very little about. The cramps cannot be controlled. You know that people often jump up at night because they have a cramp in their leg or calf. It's a little like that, but in all muscles. There is little we can do to support them and ease their pain.“, described the artist's sister to the magazine “¡Hola!”.
In this sense, experts are the NIH They point out that in some patients the symptoms disappear with treatment or the consequences of the neurological disorder only affect a certain area of the body.
In the more severe cases“Symptoms can progress and Involve facial muscles and some of the muscles of the body may be constantly rigid. The progression of symptoms associated with the syndrome leads to frequent fallswhich can be dangerous.”