Actress Christina Applegate announced on her podcast MeSsy that she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2021, despite enduring debilitating symptoms for years. Applegate, 54, revealed that a doctor recently informed her she does not have the condition, contradicting her previous diagnosis. She described the revelation as unexpected and unsettling, noting that her symptoms have not improved since the news. Applegate has relied on a wheelchair and cane for mobility and stepped away from her acting career due to her health struggles.
Applegate shared the update in a two-part episode of her podcast, which she co-hosts with Jamie-Lynn Sigler. She explained that her doctor decided to halt an infusion treatment to observe her B cell count, prompting a reevaluation of her diagnosis. After testing, the doctor concluded Applegate never had MS. Applegate expressed frustration, stating, 'Everybody else was so happy. You don’t get misdiagnosed and then all of a sudden I’m better. If anything, I’ve gotten worse.'
Applegate initially announced her MS diagnosis in summer 2021, describing it as a life-altering revelation. At the time, she underwent medical tests, including a spinal tap and MRIs, which reportedly showed brain lesions. She has since faced significant physical and emotional challenges, including severe depression. Applegate emphasized that she remains undiagnosed and continues to seek answers about her condition.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease where the immune system attacks the central nervous system, leading to nerve damage. Symptoms vary widely and can include fatigue, mobility issues, vision problems, and cognitive difficulties. There is no single definitive test for MS, which contributes to diagnostic challenges. According to Dr. Marwa Kaisey, an associate professor at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, nearly one in five people diagnosed with MS may not actually have the condition due to diagnostic complexities.
Applegate’s case highlights the broader issue of MS misdiagnosis, which experts attribute to the lack of a definitive diagnostic tool. While her symptoms persist, she has not experienced the expected progression of MS, further complicating her medical journey. Applegate has indicated that her medical team is investigating why the misdiagnosis occurred and what underlying condition may be causing her symptoms.