Overview
- Applegate disclosed the reversal on her MeSsy podcast during her return to the show, saying doctors told her she does not meet criteria for multiple sclerosis after recent testing.
- She emphasized that the change in diagnosis has not eased her condition and in some ways her mobility and neurological symptoms have worsened, leaving her still using a wheelchair for medical visits.
- Applegate and her medical team said newer testing technology and specialist review prompted the decision and that clinicians will now run further workups to find an alternative cause.
- The revelation has been emotionally devastating for Applegate, who described deep depression, lost work and guilt over her role as a public advocate for people with MS.
- Neurologists on the podcast noted that MS is diagnosed by a set of clinical, imaging and lab criteria rather than a single test, and that roughly 15–20% of prior MS diagnoses may not meet current standards because other conditions can mimic MS on scans or symptoms.