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Christina Applegate reveals surprising theory about what caused misdiagnosed MS symptoms
Christina Applegate said she is considering whether her ageing breast implants could be linked to her health problems, while stressing this is a theory she plans to investigate. The question has taken on added significance since she revealed last month that she does not have multiple sclerosis, despite receiving that diagnosis five years ago, and is now seeking another explanation for her symptoms.
Applegate had a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, followed by reconstruction with saline implants. She said she believes the implants are overdue for replacement and has wondered whether a leak could be affecting her health, referring to a study she says links implant symptoms with MS-like symptoms. She described joint problems, an inability to lift her right arm and widespread pain, and said she is undergoing tests for other conditions that can resemble MS, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Lyme disease.
In short
- Applegate is investigating possible causes of her health problems.
- She wonders whether her saline implants could be overdue for replacement.
- She says she is being tested for conditions that can resemble MS.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Applegate’s implant concern is a reasonable question to investigate: she has implants she believes are overdue for replacement, significant symptoms and a previous diagnosis that is now in doubt. Looking into whether a leak or another implant-related issue could explain some symptoms may help her and her clinicians identify the right cause and treatment.
The case against
The possible link remains a theory, not an established explanation for her symptoms, and the story does not report that tests have found a leak or implant-related illness. Similar symptoms can arise from many conditions, so focusing too quickly on the implants could distract from investigating other causes, including the conditions her doctors are testing for.