Actor Christina Applegate revealed that doctors now believe she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She is seeking answers as she continues to experience debilitating symptoms despite being told she does not have MS.
Christina Applegate says she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis
On Tuesday’s episode of her Messy podcast, Christina Applegate discussed her ongoing search for the cause of her symptoms. “You don’t get misdiagnosed and then all of the sudden I’m better. If anything, I’ve gotten worse,” she said. Applegate added that she continues to experience debilitating symptoms every day.
“I’m back at square one where I don’t know what’s going on with me,” Applegate said. Her doctor recommended stopping her infusion treatment for MS to see how her body responded. Applegate said the response did not support the diagnosis, leading her doctor to reassess her condition and tell her she did not have MS.
Dr. Michael Kornberg, an associate professor of neurology, addressed the emotional impact of a misdiagnosis. “Misdiagnosis can be distressing, and it becomes part of your identity,” he said.
In an interview with NPR, Kornberg explained that doctors do not rely on one test to diagnose MS. “There’s no one single test for MS diagnosis. It’s not like getting tested for strep or flu where there’s a test; it’s either positive or negative.”
Kornberg also noted that Applegate had mentioned newer technology. “I know nothing about the specifics of Christina Applegate’s case, but from what she mentioned, she mentioned a new technology. And I imagine she may be talking about new MRI technology.”
Doctors have started using newer imaging methods in recent years to distinguish abnormalities caused by MS from those linked to other conditions. Kornberg said Applegate appeared frustrated after losing what she thought was an explanation for her symptoms. He also expressed hope that her medical team could use advances to find answers.
Applegate, known for Anchorman and Married… with Children, stepped away from acting after her Netflix series Dead to Me wrapped in 2023.
