So What Are We Thinking About MS This Week?

[JanAtheCPA]

In light of the well-publicized announcement by actress Christina Applegate, who is quite distressed to recently be told that she was misdiagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2021, I performed the following search:
"MS misdiagnoses and stress-based mindbody conditions"
The AI Overview alone came up with all kinds of relevant information, showing that the medical and neurological communities have already been seriously examining this relationship for... well, I don't know how long. I'm going to have to delve into these resources to find out more about the timing, because I find myself dismayed that this could have happened a mere five years ago. But I shouldn't really be surprised. The willful ignorance and neglect surrounding the psychological component of functional physiological conditions still reigns supreme.

Anyway, here is a raw copy-and-paste of my search results, FWIW.


Search: MS misdiagnoses and stress-based mindbody conditions

AI Overview:

Up to 20% of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnoses are estimated to be incorrect, with stress-based, psychogenic, and mindbody conditions representing a significant portion of these misdiagnoses. Because MS is known as a "great mimicker" and lacks a single, definitive diagnostic biomarker, clinicians frequently mistake central nervous system hyperactivity and chronic functional syndromes for structural demyelinating disease.

The Overlap: Mindbody Conditions vs. MS

Mindbody conditions—often referred to in clinical settings as Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS), or neuroplastic pain—occur when the central nervous system becomes hyper-sensitized by chronic stress, trauma, or emotional suppression. This physiological state perfectly replicates MS symptoms without causing the corresponding structural nerve damage.

Symptom / FeatureMultiple Sclerosis (MS)Stress-Based / Mindbody Conditions
ParesthesiaNumbness or tingling tracking along specific dermatomes or spinal pathways.Diffuse, migratory, or changing tingling that fluctuates rapidly with stress levels.
Fatigue & Brain FogProfound, systemic exhaustion often worsened by heat (Uhthoff's phenomenon).Chronic, fluctuating fatigue heavily tied to emotional burnout and nervous system dysregulation.
Motor WeaknessTrue weakness or paralysis due to damaged neural pathways, often catching on a clinical reflex test."Give-way" weakness or functional motor deficits where the structure is intact but the brain's signaling is disrupted.
MRI FindingsDistinct, demyelinating lesions in specific locations (periventricular, spinal cord) that evolve over time.Clean MRIs, or non-specific "white matter changes" (common with migraines or aging) misread as MS plaques.


Primary Drivers of Misdiagnosis

1. Misinterpreted Brain Scans: The leading cause of MS misdiagnosis is the misinterpretation of non-specific white matter hyperintensities on an MRI. Minor spots caused by migraines, high blood pressure, aging, or stress are frequently misread as active MS lesions.
2. Functional Neurological Disorder (FND): FND is a recognized mindbody condition where the brain struggles to properly send and receive signals. FND can cause functional blindness, tremors, gait issues, and limb numbness, making it one of the most common conditions mistaken for MS.
3. Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue (ME/CFS): These central sensitization syndromes cause widespread nerve pain, severe fatigue, and cognitive issues. Because they are prevalent and heavily influenced by stress, they are frequently mislabeled as early-stage MS.
4. The Stress-Symptom Feedback Loop: Acute or chronic psychological distress directly alters nerve conduction and increases inflammation. When a patient experiences stress-induced tingling, the terrifying fear of having a progressive disease like MS further activates the sympathetic nervous system, compounding the physical symptoms.

Navigating Next Steps

If you or a loved one are exploring a potential misdiagnosis or evaluating a mindbody component to neurological symptoms, a thorough verification strategy is crucial.
• Seek a Second Opinion from an MS Specialist: General neurologists see wide varieties of conditions, whereas a dedicated MS specialist at an academic center is highly trained to apply the strict McDonald Criteria required for a true diagnosis.
• Request Advanced Testing: If MRI results are ambiguous, specialized tests like a spinal fluid analysis (looking for specific oligoclonal bands) or evoked potential tests can help differentiate structural disease from functional conditions.
• Explore Mindbody Reprocessing: If structural testing returns clear, exploring modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Neuroplasticity-based Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), or nervous system regulation can actively desensitize a hyper-reactive mindbody loop.
Are you currently evaluating a specific diagnosis, or trying to make sense of overlapping symptoms you are experiencing? Let me know if you would like to explore how specific diagnostic tests differentiate the two.
Premier Neurology & Wellness Center
What Diseases and Conditions Can Be Mistaken for Multiple Sclerosis
Below are several common conditions that can mimic MS: * Lupus and Other Autoimmune Disorders Autoimmune disorders such as lupus can affect the nervous system, ...
The Washington Post
Here's how an MS misdiagnosis can happen, according to experts
Many symptoms can be tough to pin specifically to MS, Kurz pointed out — for instance cognitive dysfunction and fatigue are common in a lot of autoimmune condit...
CBS News
Up to 20% of MS diagnoses are wrong, like Christina Applegate's ...
He said a misdiagnosis is most often found when a person seeks out a second opinion because their symptoms aren't getting better. This doesn't always mean the d...
Yahoo Health
15 Conditions Commonly Mistaken for Multiple Sclerosis
Oct 21, 2026 — Diseases Somewhat Likely to Be Misdiagnosed as MS * Migraine. Migraine is a neurological disease that can cause intense, throbbing headaches; sensitivity to lig...
Yahoo Health
Up to 20% of MS diagnoses may be wrong, like Christina Applegate's
Oct 21, 2026 — He said a misdiagnosis is most often found when a person seeks out a second opinion because their symptoms aren't getting better. This doesn't always mean the d...
National Institutes of Health (NIH) | (.gov)
Multiple Sclerosis Misdiagnosis: A Persistent Problem to Solve - PMC
MS misdiagnosis may increase morbidity as a result of psychological damage, risk associated with DMTs and corticosteroids use, inadequate treatment (2, 3), wors...
Everyday Health
15 Conditions Commonly Mistaken for Multiple Sclerosis
Fibromyalgia and MS share some symptoms, including headaches, joint and muscle pain, numbness and tingling of extremities, memory problems, and fatigue. Like MS...
Healthgrades Health Library
Differences Between Anxiety Tingling and MS Tingling: What to Know
Oct 30, 2023 — Yes, anxiety symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for MS symptoms. For example, both conditions can cause tingling and numbness. A doctor can help distinguish the...
MedicalNewsToday
15 diseases like MS: Similar conditions and symptoms
15 conditions similar to multiple sclerosis Medically reviewed by Susan W. Lee, DO — Written by Joanne Lewsley and Alina Sharon and Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD — Upd...
Everyday Health
15 Conditions That Can Seem Like Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Jun 16, 2022 — 15 Conditions Commonly Mistaken for Multiple Sclerosis * Errors in diagnosis likely result from the fact that there is no single test that can determine an MS d...
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Multiple Sclerosis and Mental Health: 3 Common Challenges
Anxiety disorders are three times more common in MS than in the general population. Anxiety has been linked to decreased social interaction, increased risk of e...
PatientsLikeMe
Conditions Commonly Mistaken for Multiple Sclerosis
Oct 12, 2021 — How is MS diagnosed? The journey to a multiple sclerosis diagnosis can be exhausting and challenging. Since several other conditions have symptoms in common wit...
Facebook·CBS Mornings
2:40
and she isn't alone. Nearly 1 in 5 patients referred with an MS dia
Yahoo Health
Why Is Multiple Sclerosis So Commonly Misdiagnosed?
Women, like Applegate, are at an even greater disadvantage. A 2021 study out of Argentina found that women were 83 percent more likely to be misdiagnosed with M...
WISN
Multiple sclerosis is misdiagnosed in nearly 1 in 5 cases - WISN
Why is multiple sclerosis misdiagnosed so often? These misdiagnoses happen frequently because there is no singular test that can conclusively identify it, accor...
Facebook·MS Society UK
0:17
Is it anxiety or MS tingling? Knowing if it's an MS symptom ...
YouTube·Baptist Health
0:47
Invisible MS Symptoms: Fatigue, Brain Fog, Depression

 

[BloodMoon]

And the tragedy for Christina Applegate is that after 5 years of thinking that the diagnosis was correct she says: "I'm back at square one where I don't know what's going on with me"... when it could have been up to 5 years spent considering and eliminating other medical possibilities and possibly finding her way to doing mind-body work. An acquaintance of mine was diagnosed with MS and it turned out to be a vitamin b12 deficiency.

 

[eoram]

Many years ago I found my way to the work of Gabor Mate. I read When the Body Says No. And I remember marveling at his courage in speaking before a large group of (mainly) women who had an MS diagnosis. I thought about this when reading the sensationalist headlines about Applegate. I am sorry for her - I hope she finds her way to this work, but somehow I think instead she will find another charlatan and the next diagnosis will be "ME/CFS"

 

[JanAtheCPA]

but somehow I think instead she will find another charlatan and the next diagnosis will be "ME/CFS"

There ya go. Her announcement had victim mentality/"someone fix me" written all over it. It's tragic, and it's still the norm.

Gabor Mate is one of my heroes, alongside Dr Sarno and Claire Weekes.

 

[eoram]

Yes, you are so right. Combined with that star entitlement syndrome, its not a good look. But I have to remind myself that when I am in the dumps with the fatigue, it can be really hard not to feel self-pity! Ya know, that familiar victim complex.

Could you tell me what is special about Claire Weekes, and what of hers I should read? I got a book she wrote on anxiety but it seemed quite dated.

 

[Cactusflower]

Yes, you are so right. Combined with that star entitlement syndrome, its not a good look. But I have to remind myself that when I am in the dumps with the fatigue, it can be really hard not to feel self-pity! Ya know, that familiar victim complex.

Could you tell me what is special about Claire Weekes, and what of hers I should read? I got a book she wrote on anxiety but it seemed quite dated.

@eoram
Any book by Claire Weekes is great. It may seem dated, but imagine a little granny reading kindly to you from the book - it's really a helpful way to approach it. Her advice is timeless, and many authorities on anxiety still give her very same advice. I found her advice incredibly helpful with self-victimization and self-pity. She treats these simply as thoughts, and asks you to use her "floating" method to just watch those kinds of thoughts float by like clouds in the sky and not to buy into them as "truths".

 

[JanAtheCPA]

That's the answer! The book I read, which was the second book instrumental to my TMS recovery 15 years ago, was Hope and Help For Your Nerves. It was published in the late 1960s when she herself was not young. I characterize her writing as "quaint" but her advice is timeless. She has helped untold thousands around the world for over 50 years. Anxiety is a key component of TMS suffering, and her seemingly simplistic approach cuts through the psychobabble and teaches you how to get your anxiety under control.

 

[Ellen]

One often runs across "stars" that seem obviously to have TMS. Lady Gaga and Tiger Woods come to mind, though there are many others. Wealth and fame doesn't make it any easier to discover the truth it seems. It may even make it harder, since the medical-industrial complex is ready to take everyone's money.

 

[Cactusflower]

Lady Gaga seems to have a mind/body understanding as does Celine Dion, Mayim Bialik, Drew Barrymore and a few others I’ve seen hint at a deeper understanding when they’ve had mysterious symptoms.

 

[Ellen]

Lady Gaga seems to have a mind/body understanding as does Celine Dion, Mayim Bialik, Drew Barrymore and a few others I’ve seen hint at a deeper understanding when they’ve had mysterious symptoms.

Glad to hear this. I saw a documentary about Lady Gaga some years ago where she discussed suffering from fibromyalgia. I was hoping she would find her way out with a MindBody understanding.

 

[Rabscuttle]

Yes, you are so right. Combined with that star entitlement syndrome, its not a good look. But I have to remind myself that when I am in the dumps with the fatigue, it can be really hard not to feel self-pity! Ya know, that familiar victim complex.

Could you tell me what is special about Claire Weekes, and what of hers I should read? I got a book she wrote on anxiety but it seemed quite dated.

Is she entitled? I know nothing about her, but are we just making assumptions about someone’s character because they’re famous and or wealthy? Google AI (lol) seems to indicate she’s a fairly decent and down to earth person.

I googled a bit, turns out she had breast cancer and bilateral mastectomies at 36. That’s enough bullshit to put anyone into stress overload, combine that with the pressures of Hollywood and being a woman in this shithole superficial society, well it’s easy to see how someone can end up where she did. Plus the arrogant as hell doctors lacking humility to say “I don’t know what’s wrong with you”.

She’s in a pickle because her money has probably offered her the best care in the past but is now a detriment because it gives her seemingly endless options except the one that will help.

 

[Mani]

Plus the arrogant as hell doctors lacking humility to say “I don’t know what’s wrong with you”.

Theres this girl in the netherlands. 2 years ago big story in the newspapers. She started having symptoms after a car accident. Doctors were saying her spine was pressing on her brain stem or whatever and that made her ME cfs worse.

She needed life saving surgery. set up a Gofundme and actually raised more than 200 grand for her surgery. Got the ‘lifesaving’ surgery; turns out it didnt help at all. Lies in a dark bedroom all day. Now shes fundraising again for God knows what kind of intervention. I mean i cant even start to explain the bullshit those docs are telling her.

I’m no expert but ‘lying in the dark 24/7’ to me is a great telltale sign of tms. Btw she doesnt just have ms and brainstem whatever but also cfs and yeah i dont even know.

Like someone needs to have a talk with her. Girl stop listening to these docs that dont have a fucking clue in the world whats wrong with you. She sold this surgery as her lifesaving surgery; this would suddenly resurrect her. Now 1 year later, doing worse, putting her hand up again for more bullshit.

A lot of people think shes grifting, which most of us will know she isnt. I do however find it curious that you ask people for millions of dollars before buying a Sarno book. Like how mainstream has tms gotten? Anyone telling her?

You can never be sure with tms but some symptoms and onsets just scream tms right in your face.

I’m not gonna bother trying to reach her cuz shes really got to find this spark herself.

This, however pathetic, makes me feel better about myself. At least i know whats up. No lies, no deception, no visiting endless docs that just make shit up right in front of you.

Maybe i shouldnt be so judgemental but i do think it takes a special kind of person to ask others for loads of money before taking a proper look in the mirror.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-sanne-weer-zitten-lopen-en-leven?utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&cp_src=m (Donate to Help Sanne aan een levensreddende nekoperatie (€200.000), organized by Sanne Bronkhorst)


This is her gofundme btw. If youre curious.

And yeah shes suffering enormously obviously. I hope she finds us eventually. I’ll bet this new special operation in some secret lab will once again do nothing.

I dont mean to be rude or arrogant but i got kind of caught up in her story and the discussion it sparked. Lots of people calling it a grift and i wish i could just make everyone understand tms so the stigma disappears.

 

[Mani]

// Because my vascular regulation is no longer functioning properly,, simply put, an insufficient amount of oxygen-rich blood reaches my heart, brain, muscles, and cells. As a result, I feel exhausted—down to the cellular level—day in and day out; I experience extreme shortness of breath, and I struggle to think, speak, move, or even sit up. The only thing I can do is lie still, wearing an eye mask. Consequently, my neck rehabilitation has been severely delayed. I had anticipated a timeframe of about six months, but it has become clear that we cannot begin to increase activity until oxygen-rich blood is once again reaching my muscles. Unfortunately, there is no suitable treatment for this in Europe. Everything has come to a standstill. I am lying still. For more than 1,000 days now…//

This all sounds medically sound but like these doctors are making this up. They dont understand it at all


Maybe im just wrong and way too arrogant. Can anyone like comment on her situation. This is tms right? I’m kind of taken aback by my own arrogance in this rant. I dont even mean it like that. I’m just fascinated by the human body — and denial

 

[BloodMoon]

Plus the arrogant as hell doctors lacking humility to say “I don’t know what’s wrong with you”.

Yes, exactly! And in a BBC article about her it said that the news was broken to her by a doctor like this: "She came into my room and said, 'Congratulations, you don't have MS' ". Such total insensitivity to how anyone would likely feel about being wrongly diagnosed for 5 years! I know I'd be pretty angry. And in the same article it said that her symptoms have now worsened (as we know, probably because of her anger).

 

[Rabscuttle]

// Because my vascular regulation is no longer functioning properly,, simply put, an insufficient amount of oxygen-rich blood reaches my heart, brain, muscles, and cells. As a result, I feel exhausted—down to the cellular level—day in and day out; I experience extreme shortness of breath, and I struggle to think, speak, move, or even sit up. The only thing I can do is lie still, wearing an eye mask. Consequently, my neck rehabilitation has been severely delayed. I had anticipated a timeframe of about six months, but it has become clear that we cannot begin to increase activity until oxygen-rich blood is once again reaching my muscles. Unfortunately, there is no suitable treatment for this in Europe. Everything has come to a standstill. I am lying still. For more than 1,000 days now…//

This all sounds medically sound but like these doctors are making this up. They dont understand it at all


Maybe im just wrong and way too arrogant. Can anyone like comment on her situation. This is tms right? I’m kind of offended by my own arrogance in this rant. I dont even mean it like that. I’m just fascinated by the human body — and denial

Even if what they’re dealing with isn’t fully TMS, how they’re living is not helping them. What a shitty situation. I can imagine the despair of thinking some surgery will fix you then having to swallow that bitter pill that it did nothing…..

 

[Rabscuttle]

Yes, exactly! And in a BBC article about her it said that the news was broken to her by a doctor like this: "She came into my room and said, 'Congratulations, you don't have MS' ". Such total insensitivity to how anyone would likely feel about being wrongly diagnosed for 5 years! I know I'd be pretty angry. And in the same article it said that her symptoms have now worsened (as we know, probably because of her anger).

Not shocking. So many doctors are utter burnouts who see patients as problems and obstacles they have to navigate to get through their day. Which isn’t at all surprising when you account for the utter disaster of the global medical system, especially here in the US (excessive schooling, long hours during residency, a general populace totally beaten down, poisoned and chronically ill and helpless)The fact that she’s probably paying out of pocket for top doctors and they’re still like this, laughable, in a terrifying way. Just a microcosm of a culture and society that is beyond lost.

“you don’t have x disease, but your life is still an utter nightmare and we can’t explain why, congrats, now go celebrate!” Wtf

 

[Cactusflower]

“you don’t have x disease, but your life is still an utter nightmare and we can’t explain why, congrats, now go celebrate!” Wtf

The worst doctor I ever saw (and I saw a few!!) told me to get the Worlds Biggest Loser workouts and begin them. This is after years of lifting, workouts, heavy manual labor, swimming, biking, pilates etc. So not only did I have a pain problem, I was a "LOSER".

That said, I've seen many really wonderful doctors, many of whom simply were not afforded the opportunity to learn about the emerging neuroscience and psychology of pain. I don't blame them. Several, including my dentist have educated themselves and provide education and materials to their patients.

 

[Rabscuttle]

“you don’t have x disease, but your life is still an utter nightmare and we can’t explain why, congrats, now go celebrate!” Wtf

The worst doctor I ever saw (and I saw a few!!) told me to get the Worlds Biggest Loser workouts and begin them. This is after years of lifting, workouts, heavy manual labor, swimming, biking, pilates etc. So not only did I have a pain problem, I was a "LOSER".

That said, I've seen many really wonderful doctors, many of whom simply were not afforded the opportunity to learn about the emerging neuroscience and psychology of pain. I don't blame them. Several, including my dentist have educated themselves and provide education and materials to their patients.

Oh yeah the average doctor not knowing about TMS or modern neuroscience isn’t a shock. Their ignorance isn’t occurring in a vacuum, too many patients, shitty pressure filled medical schools, long hours in residency, burn out. But they’re also required to partake in continuing educating throughout their career, I’m required to spend hundreds and complete like 24 hours every 3 years just for a dinky veterinary nursing license. I’m more than a little shocked that this stuff isn’t making its way to the average doctor during their continuing education. Maybe shocked isn’t the right word, this is crapola America after all, we pay more for shittier care than anywhere in the world. We have no sense of our inner selves so maybe it’s no shock that there is no interest for the greater medical community to take an interest in the inner lives of their patients, especially their chronically ill ones.

but a neurologist (who presumably diagnosed Christina applegate)….? There’s absolutely zero justification for someone who studies the nervous system to not be up to date on this stuff, especially with all the technology at our disposal. It’s utterly shameful.

 

[Mani]

Most docs will just tell you its all in your head. Theyre closer to the truth than the people just making up bullshit on the go. The stuff they make up about long covid. We solved long covid already, as well as all those other bullshit ‘post infection’ diseases.

A lot of patients are in denial but we could at least be telling them whats going on. Tms treatment has some of the highest success rates among treatments across all medicine. Its not profitable though; people get better. The most successful tms expert even gets fired. How ironic. ‘If people get better they stop coming, we need people to remain sick so we can sell them more bullshit.’