Celine Dion showed how she experiences attacks of a terrible disease (10 photos + 2 videos)
1 July 2024
On June 25, the documentary film I Am: Céline Dion was released on Prime Video. The singer has been suffering for many years from an incurable neurological disease - muscle stiffness syndrome. There is an episode in the film that shows a painful attack of illness, similar to a seizure. It's painful to watch. 
In the heartbreaking clip, the 56-year-old singer writhes in pain on an examination table. In an attempt to relieve muscle spasms, doctors administer a benzodiazepine nasal spray. The severe attack lasts eight minutes, during which time Celine Dion screams and cries. In this state she is completely helpless.
"Every time something like this happens, you feel so awkward and so... I don't know how to put it, it's just... you know, like you can't control yourself," Celine says. “I still see myself dancing and singing.” I always find a plan B and a plan C, you know. It's me. If I can't run, I'll walk. If I can't walk, I'll crawl. But I won't stop. I won't stop."
The film's director, Irene Taylor, admitted that she had doubts about whether such an episode should be filmed and included in the film. She said that Celine herself insisted that the story about her and her illness be told without embellishment, and wanted to keep the 8-minute attack scene.
“After this episode happened and she came to her senses, she sang a beautiful song and left in very high spirits,” continues Irene. “Believe it or not, it happened.”
“And she told me not to worry about what happened. She said that everything was fine and that it didn’t matter how she looked from the outside at the time of the seizure. The main thing is to show the truth. So we ended up including that sequence in the film. She didn't want us to change anything. I would never have shown this moment if she didn’t want it, it’s the honest truth, it’s too personal.”
Celine Dion announced that she had been diagnosed with an incurable neurological disease in December 2022. Due to this, she canceled her world tour. The disease has been tormenting her for 17 years, gradually progressing, but the singer hid it from everyone.
“It’s not fair to you to keep postponing shows, and while it breaks my heart, it’s best if we cancel everything now until I’m truly ready to go on stage again,” she said, canceling all shows.
However, on February 4 at the 66th Grammy Awards, Celine Dion stunned the world when she took the stage, accompanied by her son Rene-Charles, to present the final award of the night.
At the time, she emotionally told viewers: “When I say I'm happy to be here, I really mean it from my heart. Those lucky enough to attend the Grammy Awards should never take for granted the immense love and joy that music brings into our lives and the lives of people around the world. I am very pleased to present the Grammy Award, which was presented to me 27 years ago by two legends - Diana Ross and Sting."
Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) is a neurological disorder with autoimmune features. Symptoms include muscle spasms, increased stiffness, debilitating pain and chronic anxiety. Muscle spasms can be so severe that they can dislocate joints and even break bones.
Most people suffering from SPS get worse over time. Muscle stiffness and spasms increase. In addition, stiffness may affect the limbs to varying degrees.
Walking problems may begin and people become more prone to falls and injuries. May require the use of various assistive devices, including a walker or wheelchair.
Other less common symptoms of the disease include shortness of breath or a feeling that it takes more effort to breathe. Some patients report facial spasms or changes in appetite.
Stiff muscle syndrome is an extremely rare disease (approximately 1 in 1,000,000 people in the general population).
