[News Terms] 'The Body Gradually Stiffens'... Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS)

Rare Muscle Stiffness Disorder Occurs in Adults Aged 40-70
Celine Dion Draws Attention by Revealing on Her SNS That She Is Suffering

Celine Dion revealing the SPS diagnosis.
[Image source=Reuters·Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunjung Lee] Global pop diva Celine Dion (photo) revealed on her Instagram on the 8th (local time) that she is suffering from Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS). As a result, Dion has canceled all her 2023 concert schedules and postponed her tour to 2024.

Stiff-Person Syndrome is a rare acquired neurological disorder characterized by muscle stiffness and spasms. Stiffness refers to an abnormal increase in muscle tone. Muscle spasms can be triggered by sudden movements, noises, or emotional stimuli and can be visibly severe. It is a rare disease occurring in about 1 in 1 million people, typically affecting adults aged 40 to 70. It is known to occur twice as often in women compared to men.

Persistent muscle stiffness leads to deformities in the spine, especially the lumbar and cervical vertebrae, gradually making muscle movement difficult. The body's flexibility decreases, movements slow down, and eventually mobility becomes impossible. Some patients also experience epileptic seizures, and severe pain can cause fractures.

Stiff-Person Syndrome often occurs alongside various autoimmune diseases such as myasthenia gravis, thyroiditis, and pernicious anemia. In particular, about 25% of patients reportedly have diabetes. Autoimmune diseases refer to conditions where the body's immune system attacks its own body instead of external viruses or pathogens, causing various inflammations, stiffness, rigidity, and neurological abnormalities.

Some studies suggest a possible genetic cause, but the exact cause is unknown. It is an incurable disease with no treatment, and muscle relaxants can only temporarily relieve spasms. However, since it is considered an autoimmune disease, treatments that regulate the immune system may be helpful.