Conditions that produce MS-like symptoms following Christina Applegate's shock misdiagnosis

Here is how Christina Applegate may have been misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).

The Dead to Me actor revealed yesterday that her MS diagnosis had actually been incorrect during an episode of her podcast, a revelation which she says has left her 'back at square one'.

"You don’t get misdiagnosed and then all of the sudden I’m better," Applegate told co-host Jamie-Lynn Sigler, whom she had started a podcast with to discuss MS.

"I’m back at square one where I don’t know what’s going on with me."

How was Christina Applegate misdiagnosed with MS?

Explaining how Applegate's diagnosis had changed, Steve Allder, Consultant Neurologist at Re:Cognition Health told LADbible there is 'no definitive test that establishes MS in every patient' meaning that doctors 'build a diagnosis' through a combination of medical history and various diagnositc tests.

(Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)

"Both missed diagnoses and incorrect diagnoses occur. Being told you have MS when you do not can cause significant distress, lead to unnecessary tests and expose you to treatments you may not need," he continued. "Conversely, failing to identify MS can postpone treatment that may help control disease activity and reduce the risk of further damage."

Clarifying how a patient can be diagnosed with one condition only for it to change down the line, Allder explained that 'diagnostic certainty can develop over time'.

"If a patient's symptoms, examination or investigation results do not support the original diagnosis, it is important to reconsider the possibilities and ensure the person receives the most appropriate care," he said.

Which conditions produce similar symptoms to MS?

According to the NHS, MS impacts a person's central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves, causing symptoms such as fatigue, vision problems and impaired co-ordination.

(LADbible)

Altered sensation, bladder issues, issues with memory and sexual dysfunction can also occur in patients.

However, Allder notes the above symptoms can each be linked to a 'range of other causes' such as peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage outside the brain and spinal cord), vitamin deficiencies, disorders of the ear and migraines.

Fatigue in particular is one which Allder says patients should pay attention to, as this can cause a range of medical conditions, such as anaemia, thyroid dysfunction and poor sleep.

"The key is to assess how symptoms began, how they have changed and whether the clinical examination reveals signs consistent with damage to the central nervous system," he added.

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)

"Symptoms alone cannot establish MS. Identifying their underlying cause is essential to selecting the right treatment."

For Applegate, she revealed the news of a misdiagnosis had sent her into 'a great depression’ as she was still suffering from symptoms regardless of a diagnosis.

"I still have to use wheelchairs when I go to the doctor’s office. I can’t walk from the car to the room," she said. "I’m still in this. Nothing magical happened when she said, ‘You don’t have MS.’ Nothing magical happened."