After devoting five years to advocating for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), Christina Applegate has disclosed that medical professionals now believe she received an incorrect diagnosis.
In a recent two-part episode of the podcast MeSsy, which she co-hosts with Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who also has MS, Applegate shared the news after taking a break from the show to process the revelation. She expressed feeling like she was starting over following the news.
Despite her doctor’s initial congratulations on not having MS, Applegate admitted to feeling lost rather than relieved. She emphasized that her condition had not improved and, in some aspects, had worsened, citing ongoing issues with her legs.
The autoimmune disease MS affects the central nervous system, with the immune system attacking the myelin that protects nerves, causing communication disruptions between the brain and body. Symptoms include numbness, memory problems, fatigue, mobility challenges, and sometimes vision loss.
Dr. Mark Freedman, from The Ottawa Hospital, likened the disease to a wire with its protective coating worn off, making it vulnerable to damage. He explained how inflammation in the body could lead to permanent nerve damage.
Misdiagnoses are not uncommon globally, with studies reporting rates of misdiagnosis ranging from five to 41 percent. Applegate first disclosed her MS diagnosis in August 2021 after experiencing numbness and pain in her feet, leading to numerous tests and eventually revealing brain lesions that confirmed the diagnosis.
However, a few years later, doctors reassessed her condition, leading to the discovery that she did not have MS after all. This left Applegate without a new diagnosis, leaving her uncertain about the cause of her ongoing symptoms.
Feeling like she had let down others who looked to her for MS advocacy, Applegate expressed her unease about not having a reason for her health struggles anymore. She and Sigler had started the podcast in 2024 to discuss parenting and daily challenges while living with MS.
Globally, over 3.1 million individuals live with MS, with Canada having a high prevalence rate. Diagnosing MS can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions. Misdiagnosing MS can be dangerous as some treatments suppress the immune system unnecessarily.
Despite the misdiagnosis, Sigler assured Applegate that her advocacy work remained valuable. She offered support and hope, highlighting the potential for Applegate to find relief and joy in the future.