Christina Applegate Reveals Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis

In August 2021, actress Christina Applegate sent shockwaves through Hollywood and her legions of fans when she announced on Twitter that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis "a few months ago." The 49-year-old Emmy winner, best known for her roles in Married...With Children, Anchorman, and Dead to Me, has dealt with health issues in the past, but her MS diagnosis still came as a surprise to many.

The Announcement That Shook Fans

On August 10th, Applegate tweeted: "Hi friends. A few months ago I was diagnosed with MS. It’s been a strange journey. But I have been so supported by people that I know who also have this condition. It’s been a tough road. But as we all know, the road keeps going. Unless some asshole blocks it."

While the tweet showed Applegate's characteristic humor and spirit, it was still jarring news for her fans and co-stars. Applegate has spoken openly for years about surviving breast cancer after her 2008 diagnosis, so the revelation that she was now facing a new chronic health condition caught many off guard.

Outpouring of Support from Hollywood

Applegate's tweet received an immediate outpouring of support and well wishes from across Hollywood. Her Dead to Me co-star Linda Cardellini responded, “I love you always, forever. Your strength is extraordinary.” Selma Blair, who has also battled MS in recent years, wrote: “Loving you always. Always here. As are our kids. Beating us up with love.”

Other stars like James Gunn, Amy Schumer, and more all responded with messages of love and encouragement. Applegate later tweeted: "So many of you have been in my place. I can say that what you all have said to me has gotten me through this crappy time. Thank you."

A Second Health Battle

Applegate's MS diagnosis is the latest health challenge for the veteran actress. In 2008, she made headlines when she revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and undergone a double mastectomy.

Applegate elected to have both breasts removed even though cancer was only found in one breast, in order to minimize her chances of recurrence. She also had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed as a preventative measure.

The drastic surgery was a success, with Applegate testing cancer-free afterward. However, the operation left Applegate unable to have more children, as she later revealed in a Today Show interview.

MS Diagnosis Impacts Dead to Me Production

At the time of her MS announcement, Applegate had been filming the third and final season of Netflix hit Dead to Me. Production on the show was reportedly already impacted by her MS symptoms months before her public diagnosis.

Deadline reported in August 2021 that Applegate had called for a production hiatus to deal with "persistent health concerns." Sources said Applegate was often seen using a wheelchair on set.

The break in filming was not publicly connected to MS at the time. But the production pause indicates Applegate and the Dead to Me team have likely been dealing privately with her condition for some time before it was shared widely.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive autoimmune disease that impacts the central nervous system. With MS, the immune system malfunctions and attacks the myelin sheaths that protect nerve fibers. The damage to myelin disrupts communication between the brain and body, resulting in escalating neurological problems.

MS Symptoms

Some common symptoms of MS include:

Fatigue
Numbness or tingling
Walking difficulties
Blurred or double vision
Muscle weakness
Spasticity
Dizziness

The symptoms of MS are varied because the location of damaged myelin can occur across multiple sites in the central nervous system. Symptoms often come and go acutely as a relapse or flare-up. Between flare-ups, symptoms may level out or improve temporarily in remission.

MS Types

There are a few different types of MS defined by the course of the disease:

Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) - This is the most common type, affecting about 85% of MS patients initially. Symptoms appear (relapse) and then improve or even disappear for a time (remission).
Primary progressive MS (PPMS) - For about 15% of patients, MS symptoms gradually get worse over time without remission, from the point of initial diagnosis.
Secondary progressive MS (SPMS) - Many RRMS patients eventually transition to this form, where symptoms worsen more steadily with fewer or no periods of remission.

MS Causes

The exact cause of MS remains unknown. However, research has identified some contributing factors:

Genetics - MS is not directly inherited, but having a close family member with MS increases your risk.
Environment - MS is more common in colder climates farther from the equator.
Vitamin D Deficiency - Lack of sufficient vitamin D from sun exposure may increase MS risk.
Virus - Viral infections like Epstein-Barr may play a role in MS development.
Immune System Problems - A dysfunctional immune system attacks the body’s own tissues.

MS Diagnosis

There is no single test that can definitively diagnose MS. Instead, physicians rely on the following:

Medical History - Symptoms and family history are considered.
Physical Exam - Vision, balance, muscle strength and reflexes are assessed.
MRI - Scans help detect MS lesions and rule out other conditions.
Spinal Fluid Testing - Fluid is analyzed for abnormal antibodies associated with MS.
Evoked Potential Tests - Nerve responses are measured for areas at higher risk of MS damage.

Based on all these factors, physicians determine if someone meets the diagnostic criteria for clinically definite MS.

MS Treatment Options

While there is currently no cure for MS, treatment focuses on managing acute attacks and slowing the disease progression. Options may include:

Corticosteroids - Powerful steroids like prednisone reduce inflammation and neurological symptoms during acute relapses.
Plasma Exchange - The blood is filtered to remove antibodies that attack myelin to quickly restore neurological function.
Disease-Modifying Therapies - Medications like interferon betas, fingolimod, and more can limit attacks.
Immunosuppressants - Drugs like rituximab suppress the immune system’s damaging response.
Physical Therapy - PT helps MS patients maintain strength, mobility and balance.

Treatment must be carefully tailored to each patient's case. Working closely with an experienced neurologist is key to effectively managing MS.

Christina Applegate's MS Journey

Since publicly sharing her diagnosis, Christina Applegate has been open about the realities of living with MS. "This is the first time anyone's gonna see me the way I am," said Applegate in an interview with the New York Times in November 2021, referring to her upcoming project.

Uncertain Career Future

For Applegate, the most immediate concern following her diagnosis was if she would be able to continue her acting career. "There was the sense of, ‘Well, let’s get her some medicine so she can get better,’" Applegate told the NYT. However, she said: "There is no better."

While her future in Hollywood remains uncertain, Applegate has continued working. She pushed through filming on

FAQs

What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It damages the myelin sheath that covers and protects the nerve fibers, disrupting communication between the brain and body.

What symptoms did Christina Applegate experience from MS?

Applegate has not disclosed her specific symptoms. However, MS symptoms can include fatigue, numbness, vision problems, muscle weakness, spasticity, dizziness, and more based on where myelin damage occurs.

When was Christina Applegate diagnosed with MS?

In August 2021, Applegate tweeted that she had been diagnosed with MS "a few months ago." Reports indicate she was experiencing symptoms during Dead to Me filming earlier in 2021.

How has MS impacted Christina Applegate's career?

Applegate has continued acting, pushing through filming Dead to Me season 3 after her diagnosis. However, her future career path remains uncertain due to MS's unpredictable nature.

What treatments help manage MS?

While there is no cure, MS treatments can include steroids for flare-ups, immunosuppressants, physical therapy, and disease-modifying therapies to slow progression and limit attacks.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.

Christina Applegate Reveals Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment