Stiff-person syndrome

Singer posts emotional statement about a condition that affects one in a million people.

The rare neurological disorder comes with such violent muscle spasms that "they can dislocate joints and even break bones." Here's what to know.

Those with stiff-person syndrome also often take "several anti-convulsants," including gabapentin and tiagabine, the institute said. are believed to have the disorder, according to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. Many people are "afraid to leave the house," the institute adds, "because street noises, such as the sound of a horn can trigger spasms and falls," its researchers say. But researchers believe it could be caused instead by an "awry" bodily response in the brain and spinal cord. The illness causes the body to become rigid and more sensitive to noise, touch and emotional distress. However, little is known about it.

Stiff Person Syndrome is a rare neurological disease that causes progressive muscle stiffness and painful spasms that can be triggered by a variety of things, ...

“Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing ...

“This means a lot to me,” Dion concluded her message tearfully. “This is my focus.” “But I have to admit it’s been a struggle.” “Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to.” “Spasms can generate enough force to fracture bone.” “I miss seeing all of you, being on the stage, performing for you.

Celine Dion's diagnosis with stiff-person syndrome has called attention to the rare disorder, which causes muscle spams and rigidity in the torso and limbs.

Stiff person syndrome is a rare neurological condition that can take years to diagnose and tailor treatment.

Dr. Scott Newsom, director of the Stiff-Person Syndrome Center at Johns Hopkins, explains the rare condition keeping Celine Dion off the stage.

Just as there’s no definitely-known cause for SPS, there’s also no definitive cure — though Newsome hopes that by identifying “the main start of the disease within the immune system, we can then develop more targeted treatments.” Still, there are ways to treat SPS and alleviate symptoms, with Newsome suggesting a multi-faceted approach is ideal. Even still, Newsome calls it a “non-biased condition,” saying he’s seen it pop up in young children, as well as people in their 70s and 80s. Blood tests can be done, and there is an antibody (GAD65) that frequently shows up in people with SPS; but even that’s only a tell if GAD65 antibody levels are extremely high and appear in the right clinical context. MRIs, CAT scans, and lumbar punctures can be useful in diagnosing SPS too, as well as electromyography (EMG) studies to examine how the muscles are behaving. People can live with this disease.” We can see that on an EMG.” [her Las Vegas residency](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/resorts-world-vegas-residency-celine-dion-katy-perry-1167437/) last fall, she cited “severe and persistent muscle spasms.” The same issue forced her to cancel her North American tour in Jan. It’s a really difficult and disabling disease.” (Dion did not say whether she was experiencing such triggered spasms, though as a musician, she is frequently surrounded by loud noises.) The classic symptoms described then — and which remain prevalent today — are muscular-skeletal, spanning from spasms to a fixed spine curvature deformity called hyperlordosis. There’s even partial SPS, where symptoms might be experienced in just a single limb. She pushed her 2022 tour to 2023, and then on Thursday [announced that those European dates](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/celine-dion-stiff-person-syndrome-diagnosis-postpones-spring-2023-tour-1234643733/) would have to be postponed too due to an exceptionally rare neurological condition called stiff-person syndrome. “And they can be continuous for minutes to hours.

Yale School of Medicine assistant neurology professor Dr Richard Nowak told NBC that the condition can range from “quite mild - easily managed with a little bit ...

“In some cases, the condition can level off and stay the way it is. in others, it is a slow, subtle decline.” It can be treated with muscle relaxants or Botox to relieve the spasms, with some patients prescribed intravenous immunoglobulin to reduce stiffness and sensitivity to touch, noise and stress. “Once your muscle starts to contract, it doesn’t have a way to stop itself from contracting,” he told the outlet. Keep up with the latest in lifestyle and entertainmentGet the latest lifestyle & entertainment headlines straight to your inbox. So, what exactly is the condition - and why, as in Dion’s case, is it incurable?

Maureen Materna, 75, of Rocky River, Ohio has been dealing with stiff-person syndrome for 11 years. The neurological disorder can cause chronic pain, ...

The rare neurological disease affects about one to two people in a million.

Céline Dion was newly diagnosed with the rare neurological disorder that causes muscle spasms and mobility issues. Here are the early warning signs.

“This is my focus, and I’m doing everything that I can to recuperate.” Physical therapy, occupational therapy and aqua therapy can also help patients manage the syndrome, according to Yale Medicine. “I have hope that I’m on the road to recovery,” she said. Stiff-person syndrome is extremely rare, affecting about 1 in a million people, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Stimuli like noise, stress and touch can trigger the stiff muscles to spasm. Depending on the areas of the body that are impacted, “it can become