Christina Applegate says she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis

Christina Applegate, a well-known actress, has recently disclosed that she was incorrectly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). In an episode of her podcast "MeSsy" with co-host Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Applegate revealed that her doctor now believes she does not have the autoimmune disease. "I’m back at square one where I don’t know what’s going on with me," she stated.

Applegate was initially diagnosed with MS in 2021, a disease that causes the immune system to attack cells in the central nervous system. Despite being misdiagnosed, she still exhibits "every symptom of someone with MS," including needing to use wheelchairs to get to doctor's appointments. The exact cause of MS remains unknown, and a diagnosis typically requires ruling out other potential causes, which can take years and involve consultation with multiple doctors.

Dr. Benjamin Greenberg, a neurologist specializing in MS and autoimmune neurological disorders, stated that the rate of MS misdiagnosis is around 10 percent. He emphasized the importance of ruling out other conditions through clinical symptoms, medical history, MRI scans, spinal fluid tests, and other relevant assessments. Greenberg's comments suggest that misdiagnosis can create biases in the medical system, where a single diagnosis may lead other professionals to overlook alternative possibilities.

For patients, Greenberg recommends seeking second opinions whenever possible, especially when receiving a serious or chronic diagnosis. Applegate, who has become an advocate for people with MS alongside co-host Sigler, expressed feeling let down by the misdiagnosis. "It’s weird because I feel like I let everybody down," she said.

"It’s very unnerving, and it’s really confusing for me." Despite the misdiagnosis, Applegate has continued to be open about her unpredictable symptoms, which have forced her to use diapers and navigate stairs on her hands and knees. Her memoir, "You with the Sad Eyes," and recent podcast episodes have detailed her ongoing struggles with MS.