Actress Christina Applegate thought she was just out of practice. When her tennis skills declined, and she struggled with balance on a movie set, she blamed it on a lack of training. But years later, she learned these were early signs of multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition she didn’t know she had been living with for years.
MS often develops silently, with subtle symptoms appearing long before an official diagnosis. One of the keys to managing this condition mode effectively is understanding the early warning signs. This would help individuals seek medical attention sooner.
Christina Applegate experienced some early signs of MS
Applegate was diagnosed with MS in 2021. However, she later realized that her symptoms had started years earlier. While filming a dancing scene, she noticed issues with her balance. She also felt her tennis performance had worsened but dismissed it as a temporary decline. Applegate initially ignored her symptoms until she experienced extreme fatigue and weakness on set. Her doctor later confirmed her diagnosis via a Zoom call, a moment she described as devastating. Production on Dead to Me paused for her treatment, but she accepted that MS could only be managed and there was no cure.
According to neurologist Dr. Paige Sutton, early signs of MS often include vision problems, muscle weakness, numbness, and difficulty walking. These symptoms tend to be persistent, lasting more than 24 hours and can be the first indicators of an inflammatory relapse. In Applegate’s case, her condition became more evident while filming Dead to Me Season 3, when she started experiencing more physical difficulties. She later shared that she needed a wheelchair to get around at times due to the severe effects of the disease.
Symptoms and signs to watch out for in early detection
MS symptoms can sometimes worsen due to stress, infections, or lack of sleep. These temporary flare-ups, known as pseudo-relapses, do not indicate new nerve damage but can mimic real relapses.
While there is no cure, early detection and treatment can help manage the disease. Applegate has been able to manage the disease since 2021, while also creating awareness about it.