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Culture & Society · 9 Proficient · October 21, 2026

Actress Discovers Five-Year MS Diagnosis Was Wrong

Actress Discovers Five-Year MS Diagnosis Was Wrong
Photo: Wikimedia Commons via Wikimedia Commons

Vocabulary

misdiagnosis ˌmɪsdaɪəɡˈnoʊsɪs noun
an incorrect or wrong identification of a disease or medical condition
The misdiagnosis delayed her treatment for several years.
intensified ɪnˈtɛnsɪfaɪd verb
became stronger, more severe, or more extreme
Her symptoms have only intensified since the misdiagnosis.
overlapping ˌoʊvərˈlæpɪŋ adjective
sharing some common features or areas; partly covering the same ground
Because multiple conditions produce overlapping symptoms, distinguishing MS from other neurological illnesses presents genuine diagnostic challenges.

Article

Christina Applegate, known for her roles in Anchorman and Married With Children, believed she had multiple sclerosis for five years before learning her diagnosis was incorrect. When her doctor informed her of the error, Applegate felt distressed rather than relieved. She explained in her podcast that she remains seriously ill, stating that her symptoms have only intensified since the misdiagnosis. The discovery has forced her back to the beginning of her medical investigation, uncertain what condition is actually affecting her.

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