Christina Applegate's MS Misdiagnosis Leaves Her 'Worse' and Seeking Answers

Key points

• Applegate disclosed on her 'MeSsy' podcast that she was misdiagnosed with MS in 2021.
• She reports her health has 'gotten worse' rather than improving after the diagnosis was overturned.
• Her medical team is launching an investigation to determine the true cause of her symptoms.
• She continues to require wheelchair assistance and cannot walk short distances.
• The revelation follows a hospitalization from March to September 2026.

Background

Applegate was originally diagnosed with MS in 2021, becoming a prominent advocate for the condition. In 2022, she noted she could not walk without a cane, and by 2023, she suggested her symptoms might force her to leave acting. She was hospitalized in March 2026 and released in September. In February 2026, she described being bedridden while still trying to take her daughter to school.

How outlets are covering it

Page Six emphasizes Applegate's emotional distress, noting she felt she 'let everybody down' in the MS community and described the misdiagnosis as a 'mindf—k.' CBS News highlights the medical process, noting her doctor stopped infusion treatment to monitor B-cell reactions, which led to the corrected diagnosis. ABC News provides broader context, citing a 2024 study that found 15% of MS diagnoses are incorrect, with women 2.1 times more likely to be misdiagnosed than men. The Washington Post offers a brief summary, confirming the misdiagnosis but focusing less on the emotional impact.

Why it matters

The case underscores the difficulty of diagnosing MS, which lacks a single definitive test. It highlights the potential for misdiagnosis in autoimmune conditions and the long-term impact on patients who may have undergone unnecessary treatments or lifestyle changes based on an incorrect label.

What to watch

Applegate's doctors are set to begin an investigation next week to identify the true cause of her symptoms. She has indicated that this process will involve reviewing her medical history since 2021 to determine what has been causing her debilitating issues.