Since news of Celine Dion’s diagnosis with stiff person syndrome broke in December 2022, her devoted fans have been anxious to learn how she is doing.

Since her initial hospitalization, the singer has mainly kept her health and public persona under wraps, but fans now have a reason for hope as her sister, Claudette Dion, recently provided an update on Celine’s condition.

According to Journaldesfemmes.fr, Celine, 74, reportedly said she is “working hard” to manage her symptoms and is in “a determined state of mind” when she appeared on the Quebec television program Bonsoir Bonsoir.

I appreciate the care, and we’re all crossing our fingers. The host of the program, Jean-Philippe Wauthier, said to Claudette. She is putting in a lot of effort, and we are certain that we can succeed.

Claudette recalls saying to her sister, “This can’t be possible,” during their emotional conversation with Celine. Heaven made a judgment error.

Claudette’s statement was prompted by Celine’s painful choice to cancel her entire global tour after repeated postponements due to her health. She said, in a statement from May, “I’m working really hard to regain my strength, but touring can be very difficult even when you’re 100 percent.”

“I really apologize for disappointing you all again. Even while it pains me, it’s better that we postpone the activities until I’m ready to take the stage again because continuing to do so wouldn’t be fair to you. I want you to know I’m not giving up and I hope to see you soon.

Celine reported experiencing “severe and persistent muscle spasms” in October 2021. She acknowledged getting a diagnosis of stiff person syndrome, a rare neurological condition, in a statement she released in December 2022.

In response to her diagnosis, she stated, “I’ve been dealing with health issues for a long time, and it’s been difficult for me to face these challenges and talk about everything that I’ve been through.”

Muscle rigidity in the arms and trunk, a symptom of stiff person syndrome, is commonly triggered by loud noises, physical contact, or mental turmoil. Muscle spasms are one of Celine’s illness’s main symptoms.

According to a prior statement made by Celine, “Muscle spasms sometimes cause difficulties when I walk, and it’s not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way that I am used to.”

Patients with stiff person syndrome frequently trip and fall because they lack self-protective responses. Two times as many women as men are affected, and most victims are unable to walk or move.

Is stiffness person’s syndrome treatable?

Although there is no known treatment for stiff person syndrome, anti-anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, and anti-convulsant medications can help manage symptoms and delay the onset of the condition.