Christina Applegate, widely recognized for her stellar performances in Hollywood, disclosed a poignant chapter of her life involving her health struggles. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2021, the actress recently reflected on missed warning signs that emerged years earlier while filming the pilot episode of Netflix's dark comedy-drama series Dead to Me.
In her podcast Messy, which she co-hosts with fellow actress and MS advocate Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Applegate opened up about the subtle yet significant signs of the condition she initially overlooked.
Early Clues During Dead to Me
Applegate shared that her first experience of MS symptoms dates back to 2019 while shooting a scene for Dead to Me. During a physically demanding moment that required her to run across a field, she unexpectedly fell. At the time, she brushed off the incident as a minor mishap. However, she now recognizes it as an early indication of the autoimmune disorder.
Liz Feldman, the show’s creator and Applegate’s close friend, recounted observing her balance issues on set. “It was hard to tell what was going on,” Feldman said. The long shooting hours and late-night filming made the incidents seem like they could be attributed to fatigue rather than a medical condition.
Diagnosis and Support on Set
It wasn’t until two years later, during the third season of Dead to Me, that Applegate received her official MS diagnosis. By this point, she had been experiencing a variety of troubling symptoms, including back pain, tingling sensations, and difficulty with mobility. Feldman recalled the moment with empathy, sharing that her primary concern was Applegate’s well-being rather than the show’s production schedule. “There’s no handbook for this,” Feldman remarked, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health over work.
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The production team made accommodations to ensure Applegate's comfort as her condition progressed. Scenes were tailored to her needs, reflecting the compassion and camaraderie of the cast and crew. “That kind of support isn’t something you find everywhere,” Applegate said, expressing profound gratitude for the team’s understanding and humanity.
Living with MS
Since her diagnosis, Applegate has made the difficult decision to step away from acting but has expressed an interest in pursuing voiceover work. On her podcast, she candidly described the daily challenges of living with MS, including constant pain that she often finds unbearable. “I lay in bed screaming,” she admitted, shedding light on the physical toll the condition has taken on her.
Despite these hardships, Applegate continues to raise awareness about MS, advocating for understanding and research to improve the lives of those affected.
Recognising the Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
MS is a complex and unpredictable condition where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve fibres. Symptoms vary from person to person and may fluctuate as the disease progresses. As per Dr Hemakrishna P, Consultant, Neurology and Movement Disorders, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, some of the common signs include:
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- Numbness or Tingling: A frequent initial symptom often affecting the limbs or face.
- Balance and Coordination Issues: Trouble walking or maintaining balance, as seen in Applegate’s case.
- Vision Problems: Blurry or double vision, along with pain during eye movement, is common.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Persistent tiredness that interferes with daily activities.
- Cognitive Changes: Difficulties with memory, concentration, and problem-solving.
- Mood Swings: Anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges may arise.
- Lhermitte’s Sign: Electric-shock sensations triggered by neck movements.
MS symptoms can intensify temporarily with minor increases in body temperature, but these episodes are not true relapses.
A Call for Awareness
Applegate’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to our bodies and seeking medical advice when something feels off. While MS has no cure, early detection and intervention can significantly improve quality of life. By sharing her story, Applegate continues to shine a light on the realities of living with MS and inspires others to approach health challenges with resilience and grace.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms similar to those associated with MS, consulting a healthcare professional is crucial. Awareness and timely action can make all the difference.