Singer Celine Dion recently announced that doctors had diagnosed her with the condition called Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). The symptoms of SPS forced Dion to cancel her upcoming world tour. Symptoms of SPS include muscle stiffness and spasms.

Dion’s announcement has raised awareness of SPS, a rare neurological disorder that affects only about one or two people per million. The condition is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. In the case of SPS, the immune system attacks cells that produce gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps control muscle movement.

The symptoms of SPS can vary from person to person, but they typically include muscle stiffness, spasms, and pain. A variety of things can trigger symptoms, including sudden movement, cold temperature, or loud noises.

There is no cure for SPS. Treatments, however, can help to manage the symptoms. Medications such as gabapentin and baclofen can help to reduce muscle stiffness and spasms. Physical therapy can also help to improve range of motion and flexibility.

Dion’s announcement has helped to raise awareness of SPS, and the challenges faced by people with the condition. Hopefully her story will help to encourage more people to seek diagnosis and treatment for SPS.

In addition to Dion’s announcement:

• recent studies on the condition have helped to improve our understanding of its causes and treatment.
• there has been an increase in the number of support groups and online forums for people with SPS, which has helped to connect patients and their families.
• there has been a growing awareness of rare diseases in general, which has led to more research and funding for conditions like SPS.

George Alagiah OBE, the BBC newsreader, died on Monday, July 24, 2023, at the age of 67. He had been battling bowel cancer for nine years. People are mourning his loss and paying tribute to his life and career.

Alagiah was born in Sri Lanka in 1955 and grew up in Ghana and the UK. He joined the BBC in 1989 and worked as a foreign correspondent for decades, reporting on major news events from around the world. He was also a presenter on BBC News at Six and of GMT on BBC World News.

Alagiah was a popular and respected figure on British television. He was known for his calm and informative presenting style, and he was always able to connect with viewers. He was also an enthusiastic advocate for cancer charities, and he raised awareness of the disease through his own experiences.

Alagiah’s death is a sad loss for the BBC and for the UK. He was a talented journalist and a wonderful presenter, and people will remember his warmth, his wit, and his commitment to public service.

Tributes

Here are three of the tributes paid to George Alagiah.

• George was ” that rare thing – a first-rate journalist and an all-round lovely human being” – Fiona Bruce, BBC News presenter
• “Tributes will rightly be paid to a fantastic journalist and brilliant broadcaster – but George was the most decent, principled, kindest, most honourable man I have ever worked with. What a loss.” – Jon Sopel, former BBC correspondent
• “George was one of the best and bravest journalists of his generation who reported fearlessly from across the world as well as presenting the news flawlessly. He was more than just an outstanding journalist, audiences could sense his kindness, empathy and wonderful humanity. He was loved by all and we will miss him enormously.” – Tim Davie, Director-General of the BBC

All thoughts are with George Alagiah’s family and friends at this difficult time.