Stiff-person syndrome, also known as stiff-man syndrome, according to Wikipedia is a rare neurologic disorder of unclear cause characterised by progressive rigidity and stiffness.
Recall that legendary Canadian music superstar, Celine Dion, recently revealed she has been diagnosed with the incurable neurological disease.
On December 8, 2022, the “My Heart Will Go On” singer posted an emotional video to her Instagram page explaining that she had been diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome, which she says affects “every aspect of my daily life”.
She said that the rare condition has been causing muscle spasms which affect her ability to perform and sing.
“I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time and it’s been really difficult for me to face my challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through,” Dion said in a teary-eyed video.
The 54-year-old continued, “Recently I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called the Stiff Person Syndrome which affects 1 in a million people.”
What is Stiff Person Syndrome?
Stiff Person Syndrome is an autoimmune and neurological disorder that causes rigidity in the torso and limbs. Symptoms include stiffening in the torso and limbs, along with muscle spasms.
Symptoms can be triggered by environmental stimuli (like loud noises) or emotional stress. Severe muscle spasms can cause the person to fall down.
These symptoms can lead to difficulty walking and over time, even greater disability.
What causes Stiff Person Syndrome?
Though the cause of SPS remains unknown, researchers suspect it may be caused by an autoimmune reaction where the body attacks nerve cells in the central nervous system that control muscle movement, according to Yale Medicine.
Most people with SPS will start experiencing symptoms between the ages of 30 and 60.
Is there a cure for Stiff Person Syndrome?
There is no cure for SPS. When doctors treat patients with the condition, they focus on relieving symptoms with medications such as muscle relaxants and steroids.
