From Rolling Stone · Elizabeth Yuko · · 1m 10s
Why Christina Applegate Was Misdiagnosed With MS
Christina Applegate reveals she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis after years of treatment.
In brief
Christina Applegate reveals she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis after years of treatment. Christina Applegate was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis, now working with doctors to find the real cause of her symptoms. Originally reported by Rolling Stone.
Christina Applegate's Misdiagnosis
Christina Applegate revealed she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis after five years of treatment.
“She came into my room and said, 'Congratulations, you don’t have MS'”
Seven-Month Break for Processing
Applegate took a seven-month break to process the diagnosis after receiving it from her doctor.
Misdiagnosis Prevalence
A 2019 study found 20 percent of MS patients were misdiagnosed, with some studies showing up to 67 percent.
Radiologic Isolated Syndrome
Some patients have no symptoms but show MS-like brain MRI results, called radiologic isolated syndrome.
2024 Diagnostic Criteria
Newer MS diagnostic criteria from 2024 include more tests to improve accuracy over older methods.
Why Misdiagnoses Happen
Lack of a definitive MS biomarker and overlapping symptoms with other diseases cause frequent misdiagnoses.
Treatment Risks
Patients without MS may take unnecessary immune-suppressing medications for MS.
Financial Burden
MS treatment costs include medications, blood tests, and time off work, creating a significant financial burden.
Here's the gist
Christina Applegate was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis, now working with doctors to find the real cause of her symptoms.
