Remembered for her amazing angelic voice, Canadian singer Celine Dion continues her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), also known as “stiff-man syndrome,” a rare autoimmune neurological disorder that causes muscle spasms and excruciating painful bodily stiffness. SPS also affects the way your brain and spinal cord control muscle movements.
BY: GUY JABBAR
This syndrome is extremely rare. Only about one out of every one million people have been diagnosed with this painful syndrome. However, although rare, twice as many women have been diagnosed with stiff-man syndrome as men.
A message to her supporters: “While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all of the spasms that I’ve been having. Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I’m used to,” Celine Dion said in her announcement on Instagram to millions of her loyal life-long fans.
What causes stiff person syndrome?
The exact cause of stiff person syndrome is unknown. This rare disorder is an autoimmune condition that occurs when your immune system incorrectly identifies healthy body tissues as harmful and attacks them.
The disorder commonly causes your muscles to stiffen. In addition to the stiffness, it also causes painful spasms that come and go and usually worsen over time.
What are symptoms of SPS?
According to the latest research, people who have stiff person syndrome can experience severe muscle spasms and other unpleasant symptoms that can worsen without treatment.
Stiff person syndrome most often causes painful muscle contractions and spasms that often begin in the legs and back.
These uncomfortable and painful spasms can also affect the abdomen, and less often the upper trunk (torso), arms, neck and face.
The spasms can occur in episodes, or occasions, especially when a person with SPS is surprised or startled or moves suddenly.
Cold temperatures and emotional stress can also set off a muscle spasm. In some people, the spasms are brought on by certain exercises or touch.
Here’s 7 Warning Signs of this Rare Disorder
And depending on which part of the body is affected, the spasms can cause:
- Limb stiffness (arms, legs, neck, face, etc.)
- Stiff muscles in the trunk (upper torso region)
- Posture problems from rigid back muscles that can cause you to hunch over
- Chronic painful muscle spasms
- Difficulties walking, unsteadiness, even often falling
- Sensory issues such as sensitivity to light, noise, and sound
- Although less common, it can affect eye movement: problems that cause double vision, speech issues and lack of coordination
How is SPS diagnosed?
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, there is no single test that can diagnose stiff person syndrome. A diagnosis is usually made based on a combination of factors, including a person’s symptoms, medical history and the results of various tests.
These tests may include blood tests to check for certain (a.) antibodies, (b.) imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans, and (c.) nerve conduction studies.
What is the life expectancy of SPS disease?
The life expectancy of individuals with SPS can vary depending on various factors such as the severity of symptoms, response to treatment, and the presence of other medical conditions.
After being diagnosed with SPS, according to years of research, medical experts found that patients with a stiff person syndrome life expectancy can range from 6-28 years.
However, although there’s no treatment that cures stiff person syndrome, working with a specialist and maintaining symptom control can make it easier to live with the condition.
Bottom Line
Stiff person syndrome is progressive. Stiffness may become more widespread in the body and more severe over time.
If you’re living with SPS, you’re more prone to falls because of a lack of stability and reflexes. This can increase your risk for severe injuries and even permanent disability.
There’s no cure for SPS. However, treatments are available to help you manage your symptoms. Your overall outlook depends on how well your treatment plan works.
So, if you’re experiencing some of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor. It’s especially important to discuss any new symptoms you’re experiencing or if you aren’t seeing any improvements.
