Black Sabbath frontman and TV personality, Ozzy Osbourne has announced he is living with Parkinson’s disease during a televised interview.
Appearing on Good Morning America, Ozzy detailed that he has a “mild form” of Parkinson’s, which was discovered after he had a fall last February – resulting in the cancellation of his tour.
Ozzy commented: “It’s been terribly challenging for us all.
“I did my last show [on] New Year’s Evet. Then I had a bad fall. I had to have surgery on my neck, which screwed all my nerves.”
During the interview, Ozzy shared that it was difficult to decipher if symptoms of numbness were from Parkinson’s or his fall.
A neurodegenerative disorder, Parkinson’s disease sees parts of the brain becoming progressively damaged over years causing symptoms including involuntary shaking (or tremors), slow movement and stiff inflexible muscles. At present there is no known cure.
Ozzy’s children, Jack – who has multiple sclerosis, diagnosed in 2012 – and Kelly are credited for recognising symptoms of Parkinson’s.
Jack has since commented: “I understand when you have something you don’t want t have – but if he wants to talk… and if not, I try to slip in information.”
Despite announcing the diagnosis, Ozzy has assured fans that his health is improving, and thanks then for their dedication. He added they’re my air, you know. I feel better. I’ve owned to the fact that I have… a case of Parkinson’s and I just hope they hang on and they’re there for me because I need them.”
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