Christina Applegate says she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis

Christina Applegate Confronts Medical Uncertainty

Applegate explained that her symptoms have actually worsened in certain ways, leaving her searching for answers after spending five years believing she had the autoimmune disorder. She tearfully admitted that she felt like she had let people down by losing the diagnosis that previously helped make sense of her struggles.

Describing the experience as very unnerving and really confusing, Applegate noted that her doctor told her Congratulations, you don’t have MS. The actress tearfully added that she was still in a state of shock, saying: I feel like I let everybody down.

Public Reaction Divides Hollywood Personalities

The disclosure prompted starkly contrasting responses among television personalities and public figures. Megyn Kelly criticized Applegate during her talk show, characterizing the situation as a “wild goose chase” and alleging that celebrities lean into health problems to become the face of a disease. Kelly remarked that Applegate was upset about losing her status as a representative for multiple sclerosis sufferers.

Those comments drew swift condemnation from co-hosts on The View, including Whoopi Goldberg, Sara Haines, Ana Navarro, and Sunny Hostin. Goldberg called Kelly’s remarks “unbelievable” and asked if anyone would willingly wish to have multiple sclerosis, asking, So, let me ask you, ma’am, you think Christina wanted to have MS so she could have a good time? Are you crazy? Haines also questioned Kelly’s characterization of Applegate’s experience, asking, Who wants to be the face of MS? and describing the remarks as Talk about kicking someone when they’re down. Haines defended Applegate, labeling Kelly a bully and pointing out that Applegate originally shared her condition to help others understand the illness. She argued that people discuss personal experiences to connect with others and help them understand what they are going through, stating, The idea that you would come out and say something like this, Megyn, is unbelievable. Janice Dean, a former Fox News meteorologist who has battled multiple sclerosis for two decades, also lambasted Kelly on social media. Dean called Kelly a “mean girl” and praised Applegate for bravery in telling the truth about her health.

Neurologists Examine the Complexities of Misdiagnosis

Medical professionals note that Applegate’s experience highlights a pervasive challenge in neurology. Dr. Mark Freedman, director of the Multiple Sclerosis Research Unit at the Ottawa Hospital, explained to The Globe and Mail that the disease causes the immune system to attack cells in the central nervous system, including the optic nerve, which is coated in myelin. Because symptoms like numbness, vision changes, and difficulty walking overlap with numerous other neurological disorders, reaching an accurate diagnosis remains exceptionally difficult. Physicians increasingly rely on advanced imaging techniques, biomarkers, and updated international diagnostic criteria to prevent inappropriate medical treatments.

Questions About Christina Applegate's Multiple Sclerosis Misdiagnosis

What condition did Christina Applegate originally announce she had?

Applegate publicly announced in 2021 that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system.

When did Applegate reveal her misdiagnosis?

She revealed that she had been misdiagnosed on Oct. 21 during an episode of her MesSy podcast.

How have other public figures responded to the news?

Media personality Megyn Kelly criticized the announcement on her talk show, while co-hosts on The View and long-time multiple sclerosis advocate Janice Dean strongly defended Applegate against those remarks.

More on this story: Christina Applegate learns she does not have multiple sclerosis