Christina Applegate took a break from her public life in March 2026 to focus on her health after experiencing six years of serious symptoms that were thought to be linked to multiple sclerosis (MS). On Tuesday, October 20, when she returned to her MeSsy podcast, fans expected her to share updates about her health and her experiences during her time away. However, she surprised listeners by revealing that she had been misdiagnosed. Applegate became emotional as she shared that this new information left her with more uncertainty about her health situation. She noted that she felt like she was starting over and still didn’t understand what was happening to her.
Multiple sclerosis is a condition that harms myelin, the protective layer around nerves in the central nervous system. The Cleveland Clinic states that MS can lead to issues like muscle weakness, vision problems, numbness, memory issues, and digestive troubles. Applegate dealt with several symptoms and was seen using a cane at the 2024 Primetime Emmy Awards. Earlier this year, she learned that she no longer had MS. During the podcast, she mentioned that this diagnosis was part of why she stepped back from the public eye. She reflected on her feelings about the news and mentioned that while others seemed happy, she was not.
Applegate expressed that being misdiagnosed didn’t mean she suddenly felt better, and she noted that her condition had worsened. She shared that her doctors were working to find out what had been wrong since 2021. In a later segment of her podcast, Applegate discussed how her incorrect diagnosis led to feelings of depression. She expressed sorrow for losing her job and shared how her life had changed due to her health struggles, saying that it had a major impact on her life. She also mentioned needing to use wheelchairs for medical visits since walking short distances was difficult for her.
Even after being informed that she no longer had MS, Applegate stated that no miraculous changes had occurred in her health. Dr. Marwa Kaisey, a neurologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, joined Applegate on the podcast to explain why people sometimes receive incorrect diagnoses of MS. She noted that diagnosing MS is complicated because there is not a single test available that can confirm it. Dr. Kaisey pointed out that about 20% of individuals diagnosed with MS eventually find out they do not have the disease. Many have been treated for MS for many years without actually having it.
During the discussion, Applegate acknowledged feeling as if she had let down others who are living with multiple sclerosis. She reflected on her earlier role as an advocate for those with MS and how her condition had provided her with reasons for her challenges. Now, with the new diagnosis, she feels confused and uncertain about her situation. Applegate summarized her ongoing health issues as being similar to MS but under a different label.
In April, there were reports about Applegate being admitted to a healthcare facility for treatment. How do you think misdiagnoses impact people facing health challenges?
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Source: Bored Panda, by Lei RV