Christina Applegate, diagnosed with M. S. in 2021, said on a podcast that a doctor recently told her she doesn’t have the disease, leaving her back at square one. She cried when the doctor said, “Congratulations, you don’t have M.
S.” and explained that her symptoms persisted despite the reversal. The about‑face doesn’t mean she’s healthy; she remains ill without a clear cause, a common plight for chronic‑illness patients. Women, in particular, face diagnostic odysseys because doctors may downplay their symptoms and because conditions like **M.
S. are more prevalent in women. Research from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society notes misdiagnosis occurs both ways. A 2019 study of California patients found 18 percent** of those referred with an M.
S. diagnosis did not actually have the disease. Ms. Applegate’s original diagnosis relied on brain lesions and oligoclonal bands, findings that can appear in other disorders. Dr. Marwa Kaisey of Cedars‑Sinai explained that while most M. S. patients have bands, not everyone with bands has M. S.
Diagnostic guidelines were updated in 2024 to incorporate new technology distinguishing M. S. lesions from other diseases. The specifics of her doctor’s new assessment remain unclear, though Ms. Applegate recalled mention of “string” around brain lesions.
She has been open about her struggle, which began with toe numbness and progressed to balance, mobility and gastrointestinal issues, emphasizing that being misdiagnosed doesn’t make her “better.”.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing