Solange has canceled her New Year's Eve concert in South Africa due to a health issue.
"The past five months I have been quietly treating, and working through an autonomic disorder. It been a journey that hasn't been easy on me," Solange, 31, said in an emotional Instagram post on Wednesday.
The "Don't Touch My Hair" singer, who is the younger sister of Beyoncé, was planning to perform a gig at an AfroPunk Festival in Johannesburg, but due to an autonomic disorder, her doctor discouraged her from traveling and doing the "rigorous" event.
"I can't put into words how saddened and sorry I am that I am unable to perform for you guys this NYE, there is simply no other place I wanted to be than there with my family to bring in 2018 with you," Solange said.
Although Solange didn't give a lot of details about her condition, she said "it's a complicated diagnosis."
What is Autonomic Disorder?
According to Mayo Clinic, autonomic disorder (or dysautonomia) is a condition that effects the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). The ANS controls many of our involuntary functions such as heartbeat, breathing, body temperature and the digestive process. These processes run on autopilot in our bodies, without us having to think about them consciously.
There are two parts to the ANC, the sympathetic autonomic nervous system (SANS) and the parasympathetic autonomic nervous system (PANS). Most of the body's organs have nerves from both of these systems.
The SANS and PANS alternatively stimulate and slow down various bodily functions. Someone with dysautonomia has issues with these processes due to damaged nerves of the ANS.
How does the disorder effect people?
As the disease can affect a portion or the entire ANS, symptoms may vary significantly. However, symptoms can include: dizziness and fainting upon standing up, exercise intolerance, abnormal sweating, digestive problems, urinary issues, sexual problems and vision troubles.
Tremors or weakness may also occur in some cases. The effects depend a lot on what type of dysautonomia a person has.
Is it life threatening?
In some cases, the condition is temporary and treatable. However, the disorder can also be chronic and sometimes may worsen over the course of an individual's life.
Catching the issue early and seeking the help of a doctor can generally lessen's symptoms, as well as slow the disease's progression.
Are there treatments?
Depending on the severity of the condition, and any underlying issues, dysautonomia can be treatable. If another disease, such as diabetes or Parkinson’s, is leading to the condition, doctors will work with a patient to get the problem under control.
Other forms of dysautonomia can be treated by various lifestyle adjustments. However, in general, the disorder is the result of nerve damage, which is difficult to cure.
"Physical therapy, walking aids, feeding tubes, and other methods may be necessary to help treat more severe nerve involvement," according to Healthline.
As Solange deals with dysautonomia, AfroPunk and many fans have expressed an outpouring of love and support.
"It is incredibly important to those of us at AFROPUNK that she recovers and remains in good health," the music festival posted on Facebook.
Fans also posted their support on Twitter
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