Céline Dion Reveals She Lived With Stiff-Person Syndrome Symptoms for 17 Years Before Her Diagnosis

Céline Dion is sharing more about the health challenges she faced long before receiving an official diagnosis.

In a new interview with Harper’s BAZAAR, the music superstar revealed that she experienced symptoms of stiff-person syndrome for about 17 years before doctors diagnosed the rare neurological disorder in 2022.

The revelation offers a closer look at a difficult period in Dion’s life. It also highlights how challenging it can be to identify a rare condition when symptoms develop gradually.

Stiff-person syndrome, often called SPS, is a rare neurological disorder. It can cause muscle stiffness, painful spasms and problems with movement.

The condition is estimated to affect about one person in every million. Symptoms can vary, but some people experience severe muscle rigidity and spasms that can interfere with everyday activities. “It is a progressive condition. I don’t like to say ‘disease.’ Disease makes you go like this,” said Dion.

For Dion, the symptoms became increasingly difficult to manage.

According to Dion's latest interview, her symptoms began nearly two decades before her official diagnosis.

At times, the pain became so severe that walking was difficult. She also described relying on medication to help her get through the day.

“I barely could walk at one point, and I was missing very much living,” she said. “My kids started to notice. I was like, ‘Okay, they already lost a parent, I don’t want them to be scared. I let them know, ‘You lost your dad, [but] mom has a condition, and it’s different. I’m not going to die. It’s something that I’m going to learn to live with.’”

Dion eventually made her diagnosis public in December 2022. She explained that stiff-person syndrome had affected her ability to perform, including her ability to sing.

Her health struggles led to the cancellation of tour dates as she focused on treatment and recovery.

Despite the challenges, Dion has gradually returned to the spotlight.

In 2024, she delivered an emotional performance at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. It marked a major moment in her return to live performance following her diagnosis. Now, Dion is preparing for another major chapter in her career. She is scheduled to perform a series of shows in Paris beginning in September 2026, with additional performances planned for 2027.

Dion has also continued a demanding rehabilitation routine that includes physical therapy, vocal work and exercise as she prepares for her return.

Dion's openness has helped bring more attention to stiff-person syndrome and the people living with the condition.

Because SPS is so uncommon, recognizing its symptoms can be difficult. Dion's experience has also given fans a better understanding of why her career was placed on hold for several years.

Her latest comments provide another glimpse into that journey while showing that she remains focused on music and reconnecting with her audience.