Actress Christina Applegate discovers she was misdiagnosed with MS

Actress Christina Applegate has learned that the multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis she received in August 2021 was incorrect.

In the latest two‑part episode of her “Messy” podcast, released on Tuesday, Applegate said she was “not happy at all” and in tears when doctors informed her she does not have the autoimmune disease. She explained that after stopping her MS infusion treatment, her symptoms did not improve, prompting further investigation that led to the revised diagnosis.

Applegate, known for roles in “Anchorman” and “Married With Children,” said the news left her “back at square one” and that her debilitating symptoms continue daily. An investigation into the cause of her condition is set to begin next week.

Medical experts on the podcast highlighted that MS misdiagnoses are relatively common, with research suggesting 15‑20 percent of patients initially diagnosed with MS later receive a different diagnosis. Dr Michael Kornberg of Johns Hopkins University noted the psychological impact of such errors, while Dr Marwa Kaisey explained the lack of a definitive test for MS.

Doctors emphasized that MS is a diagnosis of exclusion, relying on MRI findings and extensive testing, and advised patients to seek second opinions when uncertainty remains.

Source: BBC News. Photo: cottonbro studio / Pexels.