Christina Applegate Reveals MS Diagnosis Was Wrong, Leaving Her Symptoms Unexplained
Actress Christina Applegate disclosed on her podcast that a 2021 multiple sclerosis diagnosis was incorrect. Despite the reversal, her symptoms persist and have worsened, leaving her without a current diagnosis. The revelation sparked criticism from commentator Megyn Kelly, who accused Applegate of exploiting her health struggles, prompting backlash from other MS advocates.
Key points
- Applegate announced on the 'MeSsy' podcast that a doctor informed her she does not have multiple sclerosis, reversing a 2021 diagnosis.
- She stated that her symptoms have not improved and may have worsened, describing herself as 'back at square one' regarding her health status.
- Megyn Kelly criticized Applegate on her podcast, accusing her of creating a 'cottage industry' around her health issues and misleading the public.
- Janice Dean, a former Fox News anchor with MS, condemned Kelly's comments as 'disgusting' and defended Applegate's advocacy.
- CBS News cited studies indicating that 12 million adults receive a misdiagnosis annually in outpatient care, with nearly 800,000 resulting in death or permanent disability.
Background
This incident follows a broader pattern of diagnostic errors in chronic conditions. In October 2026, reports highlighted cases in Scotland where individuals were misdiagnosed with depression for over a decade before receiving correct bipolar disorder diagnoses. Experts noted that such misdiagnoses often lead to inappropriate treatments that worsen underlying conditions, similar to the uncertainty Applegate now faces.
How outlets are covering it
The Washington Post and The New York Times focused on Applegate's emotional reaction and the clinical reality that her symptoms persist despite the corrected diagnosis. USA Today emphasized the public controversy, detailing Megyn Kelly's criticism of Applegate's advocacy and the subsequent defense from Janice Dean. CBS News provided statistical context, noting that misdiagnoses are common in outpatient settings and can have severe physical and emotional consequences, while highlighting that conditions like cancer and vascular events have high misdiagnosis rates.
Why it matters
The case highlights the psychological and physical toll of misdiagnosis, where patients may face a return to uncertainty without resolution. It also illustrates the risks of public figures leveraging health conditions for advocacy, which can invite scrutiny and criticism from media personalities, potentially affecting the discourse around chronic illness awareness.
What to watch
Applegate is expected to undergo further medical testing to identify the cause of her ongoing symptoms. The controversy involving Megyn Kelly may continue to generate public debate regarding the ethics of celebrity health advocacy and the treatment of patients with chronic illnesses in media.
- Here’s how an MS misdiagnosis can happen, according to experts The Washington Post
- ‘Back at Square One’: Christina Applegate Says Her M.S. Was Misdiagnosed The New York Times
- Megyn Kelly called 'mean girl' after criticizing Christina Applegate's MS reveal USA Today
- How often do medical misdiagnoses occur? Here's the data CBS News
- Megyn Kelly Slammed by Former Close Friend Following ‘Disgusting’ Comments About Christina Applegate’s Ms Misdiagnosis IMDb
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