Christina Applegate Says Doctor Misdiagnosed Her With Multiple Sclerosis

Applegate disputes her multiple sclerosis diagnosis

Christina Applegate said her doctor told her that she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis five years ago. During the first episode of her return to the “MeSsy” podcast on Tuesday, the actor said she remains confused and “back at square one” because she has not recovered and still has symptoms.

“She came into my room and said, ‘Congratulations, you don’t have MS,’” Applegate recalled. She said everyone else appeared happy about the news, but she did not feel relieved because her condition remained unexplained. She said her doctors will investigate what has been happening since 2021 and why the diagnosis was made.

Symptoms remain unresolved

Applegate said she continues to experience symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis, although she stopped labeling the condition as her diagnosis. “I haven’t gotten better,” she said, adding that in some ways she has gotten worse. She also said she continues to use a wheelchair when visiting her doctor and cannot walk from the car to the office.

The disclosure came after what PopCulture.com reported as a four-month hospitalization. Applegate also said she had taken time away from the podcast to process the situation and address other health concerns.

Medical expert discusses diagnostic uncertainty

Dr. Marwa Kaisey, an associate professor in the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Department of Neurology, said multiple sclerosis does not have one definitive test. Instead, physicians evaluate a list of criteria, which she said can make the diagnostic process complex.

Kaisey also said nearly 20% of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis may not have the disease. Her comments did not establish Applegate’s diagnosis independently; Applegate reported that her doctor had told her she did not have MS.

Emotional and professional effects

Applegate said she has experienced depression and felt that the reversal left her without an explanation for years of illness. She said the diagnosis had affected her work and life and described feeling as though she had let down people in the multiple sclerosis community, although her symptoms have continued.

The reported podcast discussion did not disclose a final explanation for Applegate’s symptoms or identify the condition doctors may investigate next.