Christina Applegate, 54, an actress, is investigating a potential connection between her breast implants and the pain and fatigue she has been experiencing, following her misdiagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2021.
During the November 10 episode of MeSsy, the podcast co-hosted with Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Applegate, who became well-known as a teenager in the popular sitcom Married With Children, revealed that she received a study suggesting that symptoms related to breast implants can mimic those of MS.
“I often thought, ‘What if they’re leaking and poisoning me?’ over the past five years or so,” she shared, expressing her intention to bring this up with her healthcare providers.
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In 2008, Applegate underwent a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction after being diagnosed with an early stage of breast cancer and identifying a BRCA1 gene mutation, which significantly increases the risk of breast and other types of cancer. On her podcast, she mentioned that she was “way overdue” for replacing her implants.
She has also reported increasing pain and difficulty in moving her right shoulder, stating it can take her at least ten minutes just to sit up and get out of bed. She described the overwhelming nature of her symptoms, noting that “there are so many different things that could be going on.”
This exploration comes after receiving clarification from doctors in October that she does not have MS. Applegate expressed that the news brought her back to “Square 1,” with her physical challenges persisting, and she is currently undergoing evaluations for other potential conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Lyme disease.
Although the underlying cause of Applegate’s symptoms remains uncertain, some cases have linked breast implants to various illnesses, even though the specifics of such conditions are not fully understood.
Understanding Breast Implant Illness
Breast implant illness, or BII, refers to symptoms reported by some individuals with implants, including fatigue, cognitive changes, joint pain, and muscle pain. This image displays a Biocell textured breast implant by Allergan. (Nicolas Amaya/CBC)
Breast implant illness, often referred to as BII, describes symptoms experienced by some individuals with implants.
As of December 31, 2025, Health Canada had documented 663 reports of symptoms or illnesses associated with breast implants, which translates to roughly one report for every 1,025 implants sold in Canada.
The most frequently reported symptom was fatigue, followed by mood alterations, gastrointestinal issues, and cognitive changes. These are anecdotal reports, not verified cases: Health Canada emphasizes that the existing data does not confirm that implants caused the reported symptoms, which could stem from other factors.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that BII is not classified as an official medical diagnosis and lacks a specific diagnostic test. Reports of symptoms like fatigue and joint issues do not clarify how frequently they arise or if they are attributable to the implants.
Julie Elliott, a Canadian advocate for breast implant illness and implant-related cancer, who experienced health complications following breast augmentation, informed CBC News that some symptoms reported by individuals with implants may overlap with those of MS.
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“Chronic fatigue, memory alterations, concentration difficulties, numbness, tingling, nerve pain, muscle weakness, and hair loss are all similar to MS symptoms,” Elliott noted.
However, she cautioned against jumping to conclusions about Applegate’s implants being the cause. “I wouldn’t claim that Christina Applegate’s breast implants are the reason for her symptoms,” she remarked, adding that making such an assumption would be “premature and irresponsible.”
“Similar symptoms do not automatically equate to the same diagnosis,” Elliott stated. “Every possibility should be thoroughly examined and not dismissed without proper medical assessment.”
Christina Applegate attends the 29th Screen Actors Guild Awards in Century City, California, on February 26, 2023. (Valerie Macon/AFP/Getty Images)
Dr. Stephen Nicolaidis, a plastic surgeon based in Montreal who has treated over 1,500 patients seeking implant removal, also highlighted the importance of investigating alternative causes.
He referred to BII as a “diagnosis of exclusion,” indicating that patients should undergo thorough evaluations, and only if no other causes are found should the possibility of implants contributing to their issues be considered.
Commonly reported symptoms include fatigue, hair loss, skin rashes, respiratory difficulties, joint and muscle pain, sleep disturbances, and brain fog, many of which can overlap with autoimmune disorder symptoms.
Regarding the symptoms Applegate has publicly mentioned, he stated, “Those symptoms could very well be linked to her breast implants.” However, he emphasized that the exact cause of BII is not well-established, and researchers still lack definitive answers regarding how implants might lead to such symptoms.
According to Nicolaidis, there is no specific test for diagnosing BII. Imaging might reveal silicone leakage outside of an implant, but this finding isn’t necessary for someone to report experiencing symptoms. He also clarified that BII is distinct from implant-associated lymphoma, a cancer associated with certain textured implants.
Rupture, Removal, and Future Steps
A rupture or leak is a different concern than BII. The FDA lists rupture and deflation as potential implant complications and recommends that patients consult with a healthcare provider regarding any new or unusual changes in their breasts.
Similarly, Health Canada advises individuals with implants to routinely check for any unusual breast changes and to discuss any signs or symptoms with their doctor. Decisions regarding whether to keep, replace, or remove implants should be made in consultation with a clinician, considering individual symptoms, potential causes, and surgical risks, according to the agency.
They do not recommend preventive implant removal, as surgery carries its own risks, and advise those experiencing symptoms to discuss them with a healthcare professional.
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Nicolaidis recommended that individuals experiencing symptoms pursue a comprehensive medical evaluation. If no alternate causes are identified, they can then discuss with their healthcare providers the possibility that implants may be contributing to their issues and consider their options.
He ceased performing breast implant procedures in 2021, believing that the associated risks often outweighed the benefits, and now primarily focuses on implant removals. He added that removal does not guarantee a cure; some patients with MS he has treated report only minor improvements, and those with confirmed autoimmune diseases may still require medical treatment post-explant surgery.
Elliott emphasized that symptoms related to implants should be taken seriously, while recognizing that their origins are not completely understood. She encouraged patients to seek balanced, evidence-based information and to monitor changes in their health closely.
“The lack of complete answers does not mean we should disregard women’s experiences,” she stated.