Christina Applegate reveals multiple sclerosis diagnosis—'it's been a tough road'

Christina Applegate has revealed she has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in a candid update to fans. 

The US actor took to Twitter to share the emotional news, admitting it's been a "strange journey" since receiving the diagnosis "a few months ago". 

"I have been so supported by people that I know who also have this condition," Christina said. "It’s been a tough road. But as we all know, the road keeps going. Unless some a****** blocks it." 

The 49-year-old Hollywood star, who rose to fame in the early noughties with roles in blockbuster films like Anchorman, wrapped up the announcement on a poignant note.

"As one of my friends that has MS said 'we wake up and take the indicated action'. And that’s what I do. So now I ask for privacy. As I go through this thing. Thank you xo," she wrote to her 1.4m followers. 

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The news was met with an outpouring of support from Christina's fans, many of whom shared their own experiences with the life-changing disease. 

This isn't the Emmy-award-winner's first time battling a serious illness. She underwent a double mastectomy surgery after she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in 2008, and has since been an avid advocate of funding for breast cancer research. 

Christina joins a long list of celebrities who have opened up about their MS diagnosis, including Selma Blair, Jack Osbourne, and Jamie Lynn Sigler. 

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) 

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that affects the functioning of the central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve. The immune system attacks the nerve fibers, obstructing communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Permanent damage of severe deterioration of the nerves may result from this process, leaving the sufferer with potentially life-changing disabilities. 

Symptoms include: 

• Numbness or weakness in the limbs 
• Sensation of electric shock that occur with certain neck movements
• Tremors and poor coordination
• Difficulty walking 
• Visual impairments, such as restricted or loss of vision, pain with eye movement, blurred vision and double vision 
• Slurred speech
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Tingling or pain in parts of your body
• Sexual, bowel and bladder issues