Actress Christina Applegate revealed she was incorrectly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) five years after initially receiving the diagnosis. Applegate shared the news on her podcast, “MeSsy,” explaining that a recent change in her treatment led doctors to re-evaluate her condition and ultimately determine she does not have MS. Despite the revised diagnosis, Applegate continues to experience debilitating symptoms, including numbness, loss of balance, and tingling, and is now undergoing further investigation to determine the cause.
Applegate initially announced her MS diagnosis in 2021, undergoing tests such as spinal taps and MRIs that revealed lesions on her brain. She began infusion treatments, but her doctor eventually sought to assess her response by discontinuing the infusions. When her B-cell count remained unchanged, a more thorough investigation began, ultimately leading to the misdiagnosis. Dr. Marwa Kaisey, an associate professor at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, noted on the podcast that nearly one in five MS diagnoses are incorrect, due to the lack of a single definitive test.
Applegate expressed frustration with the situation, stating, “You don’t get misdiagnosed and then all of a sudden I’m better.” She described feeling “lost” and “hollow” after learning she didn’t have MS, as she had embraced the MS community and found a reason for her daily struggles. Applegate previously shared that she used a cane and wheelchair during filming of “Dead to Me” and considered giving up acting due to her symptoms. She continues to receive physical therapy three times a week and will begin a new round of testing next week to identify the source of her ongoing health issues.
Our reading is that Applegate’s experience highlights the challenges of diagnosing complex conditions, even with advanced medical testing. The initial diagnosis provided a framework for understanding her symptoms, and its revision has left her feeling adrift despite the relief of not having MS. The situation underscores the importance of continued investigation when initial treatments prove ineffective and the emotional toll of navigating uncertain health issues.
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