Celine Dion’s Diagnosis: Key Information You Need

Stiff person syndrome (SPS) often takes years to diagnose. The Cleveland Clinic notes that SPS frequently presents similar symptoms to conditions like multiple sclerosis, ankylosing, and spondylitis.

Céline Dion understands the challenging diagnosis process all too well. For years, she experienced unexplained symptoms, starting with spasms in her vocal cords when she attempted to hit her signature high notes. Concerned, she consulted a doctor immediately. “They looked at [my vocal cords] from every angle, and they said it was pristine,” Dion told Vogue France. Despite the mysterious symptoms, she continued her Las Vegas residency and embarked on five tours. Amidst her rigorous schedule, she occasionally experienced difficulty walking, finding herself holding on to things for support. When the pandemic arrived, Dion knew she had to seek definitive answers. Undergoing multiple tests, doctors worked diligently to rule out every possible condition. Finally, they identified SPS as the cause of her symptoms.

“It probably sounds very strange to say this to you, but when I was diagnosed, I was happy. I was finally able to move with the wave, not against it,” Dion admitted. She also revealed that by the time she received her diagnosis, she’d been contending with various symptoms of SPS for 17 years.