Céline Dion has been sharing more details about her struggle with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) as she gears up for the release of her documentary, I Am: Céline Dion. In a recent interview with People and NBC News‘ Hoda Kotb, the five-time Grammy winner revealed the extreme measures she took to manage her condition, including taking large doses of Valium to cope during her demanding performances.
Dion first experienced a muscle spasm caused by SPS 17 years ago while on tour in Germany. Describing the incident to People, she recalled that her vocal exercises only exacerbated the spasm. Muscle spasms and trunk rigidity are common symptoms of SPS, a condition that affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Kate Middleton’s Return to Royal Life Has a More Specific Timeline & It’s Going To Require Patience
As her symptoms progressed, Dion found it increasingly challenging to sing due to her stiff muscles, describing the sensation as feeling like “somebody is strangling you,” as she shared with Kotb. At one point, the severity of her condition even resulted in broken ribs.
Seeking relief from her worsening symptoms, Dion was advised to try prescription medications, including Valium, a muscle relaxer.
Dion recounted to People her experience with increasing doses of Valium, starting at two milligrams and escalating to 90 milligrams to endure performances. The temporary relief provided by the medication led her to take higher doses, unknowingly putting herself at risk.
Realizing the dangers of her escalating medication usage, Dion began to wean off Valium when the pandemic hit in 2020 and her performance schedule eased up. Despite the worsening of her symptoms without the drug, she eventually received a formal diagnosis of SPS in August 2022.
Kate Middleton’s Return to Royal Life Has a More Specific Timeline & It’s Going To Require Patience
Determined to return to the stage, Dion has devised a rigorous treatment plan incorporating medication, immune therapy, vocal therapy, and physical rehabilitation. Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic and committed to her passions, including being a supportive mother to her three sons as a single parent following her husband’s passing in 2016.
As an advocate for individuals dealing with conditions like SPS, Dion continues to share updates on her health journey, offering encouragement and support to those impacted by similar challenges. Through her openness and vulnerability, she has found strength and purpose, inspiring others to persevere.
Before closing, Dion emphasized the importance of raising awareness about rare and chronic health conditions, acknowledging the resilience and courage of celebrities and individuals facing such battles.
