Christina Applegate's experience highlights challenges of diagnosing MS
When actor Christina Applegate revealed that she had been misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis, it triggered not only an outpouring of empathy for her, but raised important questions about how often people are told they have the condition when they don't. William Brangham discussed why MS can be so difficult to diagnose with Dr. Michael Kornberg of Johns Hopkins University.
Christina Applegate was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2021 after suffering severe symptoms. However, she recently learned that she was misdiagnosed, feeling like she had to start over with finding a correct diagnosis. Despite Applegate undergoing various tests, including MRIs and spinal taps, her symptoms continued to persist, leaving her with unexplained issues like pain, balance problems, tremors, incontinence, and fatigue.
Approximately 15% of MS patients are estimated to be misdiagnosed, according to a 2024 meta-analysis of studies. The diagnostic process for MS typically involves a neurological exam, MRI scans, a lumbar puncture, and additional blood tests to rule out other conditions. MS researchers suggest that doctors must verify each element of the diagnostic criteria and rule out other possible conditions, rather than assuming it must be MS based on MRI findings and symptoms.
One new diagnostic tool, the central vein sign (CVS), can help differentiate MS brain lesions from those caused by other disorders. Applegate's misdiagnosis was confirmed when her brain lesions were discovered to be missing specific structures associated with MS, indicating a need for more accurate diagnostic tools.
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- Christina Applegate thought she had MS for 5 years. Now she's learned she was misdiagnosed — and her symptoms remain unexplained. businessinsider.com
- Christina Applegate's experience highlights challenges of diagnosing MS pbs.org
- Up to 20% of MS diagnoses may be wrong, like Christina Applegate's cbsnews.com
