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Studies: 15%–20% of MS diagnoses are later wrong

By Drooid · Oct 23, 2026, 2:17 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Christina Applegate Misdiagnosed

Actress Christina Applegate announced she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Dr. Marwa Kaisey said nearly one in five people told they have MS actually do not.
Large studies show 15%–20% of diagnosed patients are later found not to have MS.
Misdiagnosis stems from MRI lesion misinterpretation, which can result from hypertension, smoking or migraines.
Incorrect MS diagnosis may expose patients to unnecessary disease-modifying therapies with infection and immunosuppression risks.

Summary

Christina Applegate Retires

Netflix considered shutting down “Dead to Me” after seeing Applegate’s worsening disability on the dailies.
Applegate retired from on-screen acting after her 2021 multiple sclerosis diagnosis, ending her role in the series.
She says the earlier misdiagnosis stripped her of the “poster child” identity she built for the MS community.
A source reports she spent four months hospitalized earlier this year, discharged in early August.

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Christina Applegate Misdiagnosed

Actress Christina Applegate announced she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Dr. Marwa Kaisey said nearly one in five people told they have MS actually do not.
Large studies show 15%–20% of diagnosed patients are later found not to have MS.
Misdiagnosis stems from MRI lesion misinterpretation, which can result from hypertension, smoking or migraines.
Incorrect MS diagnosis may expose patients to unnecessary disease-modifying therapies with infection and immunosuppression risks.

1 / 2