'Human statue' condition afflicting Celine Dion explained after singer was diagnosed with incurable disease

Celine Dion opened up about a rare neurological condition she was diagnosed with in 2022 - but what is Stiff Person Syndrome?

In 2022, the 58-year-old singer opened up about her diagnosis of Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a condition which affected her ability to walk and sing.

The rare autoimmune neurological condition can take years to diagnose, and requires specialist treatment in order to manage.

What is Stiff Person Syndrome?

According to John Hopkins Medicine, SPS is "named after the symptoms that were originally described with the condition: episodes of muscles locking up and becoming stiff as a board."

It most commonly develops in people aged 40 to 50 years old and causes muscle stiffness and painful spasms that come and go and can worsen over time.

For some people, it can also cause slurred speech, double vision, and an unsteady gait among other symptoms.

SPS is believed to affect 1-2 people in a million - with women being twice as likely to be diagnosed with it than men, and while there is no cure, specialists can help patients manage their symptoms to make it easier to live with the condition.

Patients can experience painful muscle spasms which can last from a few minutes to several hours, and can affect certain muscles or the body as a whole.

Some people can even develop a "statue-like" appearance due to the rigidity caused by the condition.

Spasms can be triggered by a variety of things, such as unexpected loud noises, the cold, stress, minor physical contact or heightened emotions.

Spasms in the legs can lead to falls, while those in the chest and respiratory muscles can require emergency hospital treatment and even ventilation.

What has Celine Dion said about living with Stiff Person Syndrome?

Since being diagnosed with SPS, Celine has mostly remained out of the spotlight, and canceled her Courage World Tour in 2023 due to the condition.

She said in March 2024 that she was "deeply grateful" for the support she received since her diagnosis, adding on Instagram: "Trying to overcome this autoimmune disorder has been one of the hardest experiences of my life, but I remain determined to one day get back onto the stage and to live as normal of a life as possible."

How is Stiff Person Syndrome treated?

While there is no cure for the condition, its symptoms can be managed with a combination of treatments such as anti-seizure drugs, painkillers and anti-anxiety or muscle relaxant medication to control the spasms.

Will Celine Dion perform again?

In March 2026, Celine confirmed that she will be returning to the stage, telling her fans on Instagram: "I'm so ready to do this. I'm feeling good, I'm strong, I'm feeling excited, obviously, [and] of course, a little nervous."

Addressing life with SPS, Celine added: "I'm doing great, managing my health, feeling good. I'm singing again, even doing a little bit of dancing.

"But I have to tell you something very important: Over these last few years, every day that's gone by, I felt your prayers and support, your kindness and love.

"I am grateful to all of you. I can't wait to see you again."

Featured image credit: Cindy Ord/Getty Images