Christina Applegate is in a tough situation. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis over five years ago. Now, she has learned that the diagnosis was wrong and she does not have the condition. However, what exactly does Applegate have, then? According to The New York Post, the actress feels like she is "back at square one" in her frustrating. protracted, and complex medical journey.
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One expert said that getting an incorrect diagnosis of MS like Applegate did is not that uncommon. "Up to 1 in 5 patients diagnosed with MS may not actually have MS but a different condition. Symptoms of MS are not unique to MS," explained Dr. Elena Grebenciucova, of Northwestern Medicine.
She added, "It's important to talk to a neuroimmunologist at an academic center to review whether this is autoimmune and what other mimics of MS may have not been investigated."
Getting the Wrong Diagnosis Is a Big, Multi-Faceted Problem
Receiving the wrong diagnosis can be a problem on many levels. It's very stressful emotionally. Additionally, getting unwarranted treatment "can cause severe injury and unnecessary health risks," per the outlet.
In Christina Applegate's case, she has been left wondering why she is not improving. It's a really puzzling mystery. She said, "You don't get misdiagnosed and then all of a sudden, I'm better. I haven't gotten better...If anything, I've gotten worse."
She Has Endured Tingling, Stomach Issues, and Mobility Difficulties
Applegate, 54, has had a host of physical ailments. Among them, according to The Post, are intense tingling in her lower extremities, weakness in her legs, and movement challenges. She wrote in her book, You With the Sad Eyes, "When I wake up, I often can't get my arm to move far enough to grab the cup of water by my bed or my phone from its charger."
On top of all that, Applegate has suffered severe stomach issues as well that have required trips to the emergency room.
Applegate Isn't Giving up on Finding Answers
She and her physicians are still actively pursuing the cause of her medical travails. On the October 20 edition of Applegate's podcast, MeSsy, that is co-hosted by Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who has MS, the actress said doctors are doing "an online investigation ... to find out what has been going on since 2021. Why did this happen?"
