The Stiff Person Syndrome is one of the neurological disorder that is rare that takes several years to determine and then tailor treatment.
The singer Celine Dion has announced via an Instagram video on Thursday that she will cancel certain performances due to having was diagnosed with this disease.
PARIS, FRANCE , JULY 03: Celine Dion is seen in front of Valentino at the time of Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2019/20, 3 July 2019, in Paris, France. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/GC Images)
“While we’re still trying to understand this condition that is extremely rare We now know that it’s the reason behind all the spasms I’ve been experiencing,” Dion said.
What is stiff person syndrome?
Stiff person syndrome can be characterized by spasms and stiffness in muscles as well as heightened sensitivity to triggers like light and sound as well as emotional stress which can trigger muscle spasms, as per the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
“It typically is associated with muscle spasmsthat can be very intense. These may cause accidents, extreme pain, and significant disability” doctor. Emile Sami Moukheiber of the Stiff Person Syndrome Center at Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Falls due to severe spasms are extremely frequent. These spasms are often triggered by shock, extreme emotions, or cold weather, or even a cold.”
These spasms may be strong enough to break bone and any fall could cause serious injury.
Dion has stated she was in her YouTube video discussing how spasms impact “every part” of her living, “sometimes causing difficulties when I walk, or preventing me to utilize my vocal cords to sing as I’m accustomed to.”
The symptoms of syndromes can result in anxiety.
“Many patients but not all are suffering from anxiety that is inherent to the disease , and this anxiety feeds into physical symptoms of the illness that patients may be suffering from,” Dr. Scott Newsome Director of the Stiff Person Syndrome Center stated in a video posted on the site of the organization.
People who are affected stiff-person syndrome?
The condition affects approximately one million people, and general neurologists typically see just one or two cases over their lifetime, Moukheiber said.
The first instance that was stiff person syndrome documented in the 1950s according to Newsome and the condition was previously referred to by the name of “stiff man’s disease.”
Since then, it’s been discovered that it affects two times more females than males The term was changed from stiff person syndrome to stiff-person syndrome to keep from confusion.
What are the causes of stiff-person syndrome?
It is believed to be a manifestation of an autoimmune condition According to National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
While the precise cause isn’t known but according an institute “people suffering from the condition have increased levels of GAD which is an antibody that is able to fight an enzyme that plays a role in the production of a key neurotransmitter within the brain.”
Due to the rarity of the condition as well as the uncertainty of its symptoms tend to seek treatment for chronic pain prior to seek out neurological care. In the average, it takes seven years to be diagnosed with stiff person syndrome Newsome says.
“Sometimes patients are considered insane,” he said, “because when they take their exam in the beginning there’s no typical symptoms of stiff-person syndrome.”
What is the best way to treat stiff-person syndrome? managed?
There isn’t a cure for stiff-person syndrome, but medication help ease the symptoms. Immunoglobulin medicines can lower the sensitivity to light or sound triggers, possibly helping to keep the to prevent spasms or falls.
Anti-anxiety medication, pain relievers and muscle relaxers may be an element of treatment for this disorder. It is the Stiff Person Syndrome Centre also provides botulinum injections.
“If not treated the condition can lead to serious impairment in daily life,” Moukheiber said.
However, with treatment, the symptoms can be managed.
Dion who admitted that she’s been struggling over her condition for a long time and said she’s got an excellent staff of health professionals, as well as her children’s care.
“I’m doing my best with my therapist for sports medicine each day to regain my strength and ability to perform,” she said. “But I must admit it’s been hard.”
For performers like Dion the loud sounds and bright light sources could cause muscle spasms.
“This is a challenging disease that can cause her to suffer in the event that it isn’t dealt with promptly, effectively and in a timely manner,” Moukheiber said.
