After dedicating five years to advocating for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), Christina Applegate has disclosed that medical professionals now believe she received an incorrect diagnosis.
Expressing her emotions, Applegate described the news as a return to square one during a special two-part episode of the podcast “MeSsy,” co-hosted with Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who also battles MS. Applegate took a hiatus from the show to process the revelation.
Despite her doctor’s initial congratulatory response on not having MS, Applegate admitted feeling lost rather than relieved. She mentioned her deteriorating health, highlighting ongoing issues with her legs.
Multiple sclerosis is a complex autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system, where the immune system erroneously attacks the myelin, a protective nerve coating. This leads to communication hindrances between the brain and body, causing symptoms like numbness, memory problems, fatigue, mobility challenges, and sometimes vision impairment.
Dr. Mark Freedman from The Ottawa Hospital’s multiple sclerosis research unit likened the condition to a wire with its rubber coating worn off, making it prone to inflammation and damage, resulting in permanent nerve connection loss.
The disease varies among individuals, with some experiencing remission and relapse cycles, while others face progressive disability. Misdiagnoses are not uncommon globally, with studies indicating a misdiagnosis rate of around 15%.
Applegate publicly disclosed her MS diagnosis in August 2021 after experiencing numbness and pain in her feet that gradually spread. Despite undergoing numerous tests, including MRIs and a spinal tap, her symptoms worsened until a brain scan revealed 40 lesions, confirming her MS diagnosis.
However, a few years ago, her treatment was halted for assessment, leading to a reevaluation of her diagnosis using advanced MRI technology. Ultimately, experts concluded she did not have MS but didn’t provide an alternative diagnosis, leaving Applegate uncertain about her ongoing symptoms’ cause.
Feeling like she let down others who looked up to her as an MS advocate, Applegate expressed her uncertainty and unease about the future. She and Sigler, who started the podcast in 2024, had candid conversations about parenting and life challenges while navigating MS.
Applegate’s acting career includes notable roles in films like “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” and “Bad Moms,” along with acclaimed performances in TV shows such as “Dead to Me.”
Globally, over 3.1 million people have MS, with Canada having a high prevalence, affecting roughly one in 400 Canadians, predominantly women. Due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions, diagnosing MS can be challenging.
Misdiagnosing and treating MS when unnecessary can pose risks, as certain treatments suppress the immune system, potentially exposing patients to unnecessary health threats. Canada boasts a lower misdiagnosis rate compared to the U.S., attributed to the country’s abundance of MS specialists and dedicated centers.
Sigler reassured Applegate that her advocacy was still impactful despite the misdiagnosis, expressing hope for Applegate’s future well-being.