Celine Dion’s recently released biographical documentary features a clip that shows the moment she experienced intense muscle spasms, rendering her body rigid and causing her immense pain.

Medical professionals attribute this rare condition, known as stiff person syndrome (SPS), to an overactive immune system response that mistakenly attacks the body’s cells responsible for motor function regulation.

According to one doctor interviewed by DailyMail.com, SPS essentially disrupts the body’s ability to control muscle contractions, resulting in a constant state of muscle activation.

In the documentary, Dion is seen engaging in physical therapy exercises, but the spasms become overwhelming, forcing her to lie motionless on her side. Her wrist remains immobile and bent, while her face reflects the agony she endures, unable to move her neck or head.

Dr James Chung, an expert in autoimmune diseases and Chief Medical Officer at Kyverna Therapeutics, told DailyMail.com: ‘Patients with [stiff person syndrome] often describe their pain as intense sharp pain that makes it hurt to move. Many report a constant underlying muscle tension as if their body is perpetually braced.

‘During acute spasms, patients have likened the sensation to severe cramping or their muscles being “locked” in place. Some describe a burning or electrical sensation accompanying the spasms.’

Her legs also appear completely immobilized out in front of her.

During her crisis, Ms Dion’s doctor administers a benzodiazepine spray to relieve anxiety and reduce muscle spasms.

Her spasms last at least 30 minutes before she’s able to sit up on her own.

Ms Dion says in the aftermath: ‘Every time something like this happens, it makes me feel so embarrassed.

‘I don’t know how to express it, you know, to not have control over yourself.’

SPS is a condition where the body’s immune system attacks the central nervous system (CNS). This results in the production of antibodies that target proteins involved in controlling muscle contractions.

As a consequence of this attack, the levels of an enzyme responsible for producing a key CNS neurotransmitter known as GABA are decreased.

GABA typically helps in muscle relaxation, but with reduced levels, the muscles do not get the signal to relax, causing sustained muscle contraction.

Triggers like bright lights or loud noises can induce spasms, while emotional stress can initiate or exacerbate involuntary movements.

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