Canadian pop star Celina Dion has tearfully revealed in a video that she is suffering from a rare neurological disorder known as stiff-person syndrome which is affecting her singing.
The singer announced that she would have to postpone a series of European shows.
In a five-minute video in French and English, shared on her official Instagram account, the clearly emotional Dion said that she had been dealing with illness or health issues for a long time.
“I have been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called stiff-person syndrome which affects something like one in a million people,” the Canadian hitmaker said.
She said it has been causing spasms that affect every aspect of her daily life. Sometimes it causes difficulties when she walks and it does not allow her to sing the way she used to.
“It hurts me to tell you today this means I won’t be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February.”
Dion, 54, said she was very grateful for the support she’s been getting from her children and the team of doctors working everyday to improve her condition.
But she added that she has to admit that it has been a rough patch to face and been “a struggle”.
The syndrome varies from mild to severe. Dr Richard Nowak of the Yale School of Medicine told NBC that stiff-person syndrome disrupts the normal pathways of communication between the brain and the muscles.
Spasms can be so severe that they fracture bones. The condition can be helped but it cannot be cured.
Compiled by Mashudu Mabila
Pictured above: Celine Dion
Image source: @CelineDion
