NBC: Why many MS patients like Christina Applegate are misdiagnosed
Experts say about 15% of MS diagnoses are later overturned, and Applegate says she still does not know what is causing her symptoms.
- On Tuesday, Actor Christina Applegate announced she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis after years of believing she had the condition, sharing the news on her podcast, MeSsy.
- Experts describe multiple sclerosis misdiagnosis as "fairly common" because no single test confirms the condition, and symptoms often mimic other autoimmune or neurological disorders.
- Research indicates that between 15% and 20% of patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis do not actually have the condition, with studies showing misdiagnosis rates ranging from 5% to 41%.
- Dr. Robert Brumel of the Cleveland Clinic advises patients to seek a second opinion if concerned, noting that advanced MRI sequences can help differentiate lesions from other conditions.
- Applegate stated she is "back at square one" regarding her health, as doctors launch an investigation to determine the cause of her debilitating symptoms since 2021.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Christina Applegate Knew Relationship With Ex-Husband Was A Mistake, Thought She Was Self Sabotaging
Christina Applegate has been hogging the headlines since she went public about her misdiagnosis of MS. However, she recently found out that she never had the disease to begin with. Amid her revelation, Christina's personal life has also come into focus, including how she knew that marrying her ex-husband, Johnathon Schaech, was a mistake, but she convinced herself that she was "self-sabotaging".
Actor Christina Applegate says she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis
Actor Christina Applegate revealed she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis. NPR's A Martínez speaks with neurologist Michael Kornberg about how MS can be misdiagnosed.
Up to 20% of MS diagnoses are wrong, like Christina Applegate's. Here's what doctors say patients should know.
A multiple sclerosis expert answers questions about MS misdiagnosis after Christina Applegate said she doesn't have the chronic condition after all.
Why MS can be hard to diagnose, after Christina Applegate reveals misdiagnosis
Five years after revealing she was diagnosed with MS, actress Christina Applegate said she was misdiagnosed. Doctors explain why the condition can be hard to confirm.
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