Christina Applegate Says She Was Misdiagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis

Christina Applegate has revealed that she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and is now seeking answers for her ongoing health issues. The actress shared the surprising development on her "MeSsy" podcast with co-host Jamie-Lynn Sigler.

"This may come as great news, but to me, I’m back at square one," Applegate said, visibly emotional. "It’s hard to say that [my doctor] came into my room, and she said, ‘Congratulations, you don’t have MS.’"

Applegate, who was diagnosed with MS in 2021, explained that the news of a misdiagnosis did not alleviate her symptoms. "I haven’t gotten better, Jamie! If anything, I’ve gotten worse in some ways. So I’m back at square one that I don’t know what’s going on with me."

She stated that her doctors are now working to identify the cause of her health problems and understand why she initially received an MS diagnosis. Applegate noted that misdiagnoses of MS are not uncommon and that her medical team is now pursuing a different path.

The actress shared that the shift in diagnosis has left her feeling confused and as though she has "let everybody down." She described a sense of loss, explaining, "I became this — you and I, the poster children for MS. And all that I did, everything I was doing. I had a reason. I had a f---ing reason as to why my day sucked every day. And now I don’t have a reason, and it’s very unnerving, and it’s really confusing for me."

Applegate has been open about the significant toll her chronic pain and mobility issues have had on her mental health and career. "I’ve gone through a great depression because of it," she said. "But you know, I lost everything. I lost my job. I lost — sorry. What do you say to someone who’s been living with this for six years? God, I’m so sorry, I get really emotional because it stopped my life."

Despite the change in diagnosis, Applegate clarified that her physical condition has not improved. "I still have to use wheelchairs when I go to the doctor’s office," she said. "I can’t walk from the car to the room. I’m still in this. Nothing magical happened when she said, ‘You don’t have MS.’ Nothing magical happened."

Applegate first announced her MS diagnosis in 2021 via X, formerly Twitter. "Hi friends. A few months ago I was diagnosed with MS," she wrote at the time. "It’s been a strange journey. But I have been so supported by people that I know who also have this condition."

She has also spoken about the impact her health struggles have had on her daughter, Sadie, and her determination to be honest about her experiences. "My life isn’t wrapped up with a bow," she said. "People’s lives, sorry for lack of a better term, f---ing suck sometimes. So I’m being as honest and raw as I possibly can."

Applegate has been an advocate for openness regarding her health since her initial diagnosis, sharing the challenges of living with chronic pain and mobility issues and their effect on her life and career.