Christina Applegate’s recent revelation that she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis is raising questions about how the disease can be confused with other conditions — even after years of treatment.The actress, 54, shared the news during an Oct.20 episode of her podcast, "MeSsy," alongside co-host Jamie-Lynn Sigler, saying she was in a complete "state of shock."Applegate was first diagnosed with MS in 2021 after experiencing debilitating symptoms and undergoing extensive testing, including brain and spinal MRIs and a spinal tap.
She said doctors found dozens of lesions on her brain.CHRISTINA APPLEGATE SAYS SHE WAS MISDIAGNOSED WITH MS AND IS NOW 'BACK AT SQUARE ONE'After years of treatment, her doctor decided to stop her regular infusions and monitor her B cells."And my B cells didn't change.They didn't go higher, they didn't go lower, they didn't change, and she had never seen that.
So I guess that began kind of a study into my diagnosis," Applegate shared.Christina Applegate’s recent revelation that she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis is raising questions about how the disease can be confused with other conditions.(AFP via Getty Images)After additional brain scans, the doctor came into Applegate’s room and said, "Congratulations, you don't have MS."The actress did not consider this to be good news, however."Because you don't get misdiagnosed and then all of a sudden [you’re] better," she said.
"I haven't gotten better … If anything, I've gotten worse in some ways."CARLY SIMON REVEALS THE COMMON CONDITION THAT MASKED HER PARKINSON'S DIAGNOSISApplegate noted that she has "every symptom" of someone with MS, adding that there are many conditions that mirror the disease."There is no single element in the diagnostic process that tells you with 100% certainty that it is MS."She recalled that her MRIs clearly showed around 30 lesions, but said her neurologist identified a different feature — which she described as a "string" — that led to ...