The actress shared the news on her MeSsy podcast, explaining that her symptoms have continued despite doctors telling her she does not have multiple sclerosis.
Christina Applegate has revealed that she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), sharing the news during her return to the MeSsy podcast after a seven-month hiatus.
The actress discussed the unexpected discovery in a two-part episode released Tuesday, October 20. Applegate explained that further medical testing led doctors to determine that she does not have MS, the condition she was diagnosed with in 2021. However, her symptoms have persisted, and doctors have yet to identify the underlying cause.
"I'm back at square one," Applegate said, describing the moment her doctor informed her of the revised diagnosis.
Rather than feeling relieved, Applegate said she was overwhelmed. The change in diagnosis has not improved her physical condition, and she continues to experience serious symptoms.
"I haven't gotten better. If anything, I've gotten worse in some ways," Applegate said.
Applegate publicly announced her MS diagnosis in 2021. She completed the final season of Netflix's Dead to Me the following year, despite the physical challenges she faced during production. She subsequently stepped away from regular on-camera acting.
Since then, Applegate has spoken openly about living with chronic illness. Alongside actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who has MS, she launched the MeSsy podcast to discuss their experiences and create a space for conversations about health and disability.
Although Applegate continues to experience symptoms commonly associated with MS, doctors are now investigating other possible causes. She also discussed the difficulties of diagnosing MS, particularly when symptoms overlap with those of other neurological conditions.
The news has been particularly difficult for Applegate after spending years speaking publicly about her experience with MS. She acknowledged feeling conflicted about the diagnosis reversal and what it means for the people who have followed her journey.
Having a diagnosis gave Applegate an explanation for her daily struggles. Without it, she now faces uncertainty about her health and what comes next.
In the second part of the podcast, Applegate became emotional while discussing the toll the past five years have taken on her life. She spoke about experiencing depression and feeling frightened and emotionally exhausted.
"I just feel lost," Applegate said.
Despite the revised diagnosis, Applegate said her daily life remains largely unchanged. She continues to experience mobility difficulties and still needs a wheelchair when visiting her doctor's office because she cannot walk from the car to the examination room.
While Applegate says doctors have told her she does not have MS, the symptoms that have affected her life for years remain. She is now waiting for doctors to determine what has been causing them.
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