Celine Dion diagnosed with incurable neurological disease Stiff Person Syndrome: 'It's been a struggle'

Celine Dion revealed that she is suffering from a 'very rare neurological disorder' which has forced her to postpone concerts on her Courage World Tour in Europe once again. Photo: AFP

Celine Dion shared a devastating news with her fans on Instagram on Thursday (Dec 8).

The Canadian chanteuse informed her 5.2 million fans that she has been diagnosed with a rare disease called Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS).

The 54-year-old said that this neurological disorder causes her to have severe muscle spasms in the past.

"As you know, I've always been an open book. I wasn't ready to say anything before, but I'm ready now.

"I've been dealing with problems with my health for a long time, and it's been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I've been going through," the My Heart Will Go On hitmaker said in the emotional video.

"Unfortunately, the spasms affect every aspect of my daily life. Sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal chords to sing the way I'm used to," Dion said, adding this means she can't restart her European tour scheduled for February.

The Canadian chanteuse informed her 5.2 million fans that she has been diagnosed with a rare disease called Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). Photo: Celine Dion/Instagram

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine website, "SPS is a very rare disease affecting only one or two people per million. It causes progressive muscle stiffness and painful spasms that can be triggered by a variety of things including sudden movement, cold temperature or unexpected loud noises."

Dion went on to say that she is working with her team of doctors to get better but it has been an uphill battle.

"I'm working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform again. But I have to admit, it's been a struggle," she said.

“For me to reach you again, I have no choice but to concentrate on my health at this moment and I have hope that I’m on the road to recovery. This is my focus and I’m doing everything that I can to recuperate."

Fans have reached out to Dion on social media to send her well wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery.

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