Health & Science · October 20, 2026
Christina Applegate’s next steps towards finding cause of worsening health issues revealed after incorrect MS diagnosis
Actor Christina Applegate revealed that her 2021 diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) was incorrect, describing herself as "back at square one" as her health continues to deteriorate. In a recent episode of her podcast, MeSsy, Applegate shared that while her doctor delivered the news as a "congratulation," she felt devastated because she still lacks an explanation for debilitating symptoms including numbness, tingling, and mobility loss. Medical experts noted that MS misdiagnosis affects 15% to 20% of patients due to the lack of a single definitive test and the presence of "MS mimics," such as lupus or fibromyalgia, which can produce similar brain lesions and neurological symptoms. Applegate's medical team is now conducting further investigations into inflammatory causes, including rheumatoid arthritis.
Read the original coverage
- New York PostTabloid
Exclusive | Christina Applegate’s next steps toward finding cause of worsening health issues revealed after incorrect MS diagnosis
Read at New York Post ↗ - CBS NewsMainstream
Up to 20% of MS diagnoses are wrong, like Christina Applegate
Read at CBS News ↗ - Page SixTabloid
Exclusive | How Christina Applegate was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis 5 years after learning of condition
Read at Page Six ↗ - The GuardianMainstream
Actor Christina Applegate reveals she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis
Read at The Guardian ↗ Christina Applegate Says Her MS Was Misdiagnosed
Read at The New York Times ↗- Fox NewsMainstream
Christina Applegate says she was misdiagnosed with MS and is now 'back at square one'
Read at Fox News ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- Christina Applegate was misdiagnosed with MS in 2021.
- She shared the news on her podcast 'MeSsy' with co-host Jamie-Lynn Sigler.
- Applegate still experiences severe symptoms, including inability to walk without assistance and chronic pain.
- Between 15% and 20% of MS diagnoses are estimated to be incorrect.
- There is no single definitive test for MS; diagnosis relies on a combination of MRI, spinal fluid analysis, and clinical history.
- Applegate's doctors are now investigating other potential causes, including rheumatoid arthritis.
Reported by only some outlets
- Applegate's 2026 memoir is titled 'You With the Sad Eyes'.
- Her 2021 diagnosis was based on dozens of brain lesions and bands in her spinal fluid.
- Specific symptoms mentioned include tingling from the 'butt down,' numb feet that feel like needles, and stomach issues leading to ER visits.
- New diagnostic criteria were published in 2025 to reduce misdiagnosis rates.
What the evidence actually shows
MS misdiagnosis occurs in approximately 15-20% of cases. Diagnosis is complex because brain lesions seen on MRIs can be caused by migraines, high blood pressure, or other autoimmune conditions rather than MS. A 2024 study in the Multiple Sclerosis Journal confirmed high proportions of misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis globally.
Primary source: CBS News Medical Analysis
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