Christina Applegate Opens Up About the Early MS Signs She Overlooked

Christina Applegate has opened up about the early signs of multiple sclerosis that she initially ignored. The 54-year-old actress spoke to Robin Roberts on “Good Morning America” alongside her friend, “Sopranos” star Jamie-Lynn Sigler.

Applegate revealed that her symptoms began in early 2021 with just a tingling in her toes. “My symptoms had started in the early part of 2021, and it was, like, literally just tingling on my toes,” she said.

By the summer, while filming her Netflix series “Dead To Me,” she needed a wheelchair on set because she couldn’t walk far. “And by the time we started shooting in the summer of that same year, I was being brought to set in a wheelchair. Like, I couldn’t walk that far,” she added.

She was officially diagnosed with MS in 2021, though she believes the disease may have been affecting her for as long as seven years. During her interview, she described how her legs would sometimes give out, but she initially dismissed it as fatigue, dehydration, or just the weather. “I really just kind of put it off as being tired, or I’m dehydrated, or it’s the weather. And then nothing would happen for, like, months, and I didn’t pay attention,” Applegate explained.

Applegate also spoke about the physical and emotional toll of living with MS. She said she experiences constant pain and sometimes isolates herself to cope. “They call it the invisible disease. It can be very lonely, because it’s hard to explain to people. I’m in excruciating pain, but I’m just used to it now . . . Right now, I’m isolating. That’s kind of how I’m dealing with it, is by, like, not going anywhere, because I don’t want to do it. It’s hard,” she said.

The actress described the experience as “kind of hell” and emphasized how difficult it can be to manage an invisible illness while continuing to work. Fans have praised Applegate for sharing her story openly, highlighting how her honesty may help others facing similar health challenges.

It’s heartbreaking to hear about the struggles Applegate has endured, but her courage in speaking out brings awareness to MS and the challenges it poses. How do you think public figures sharing their health struggles impact awareness? Share your thoughts in the comments.