Actress Christina Applegate, aged 54, is investigating the potential connection between her breast implants and her ongoing pain and fatigue after discovering she was incorrectly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) — a diagnosis she received in 2021.
During the Nov. 10 episode of MeSsy, a podcast she co-hosts alongside actor Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Applegate, who became well-known as a teenager from the popular sitcom Married With Children, mentioned that she had recently been sent a study indicating that symptoms linked to breast implants could mimic those of MS.
“I swear, over the last five years or so, I’ve thought, ‘What if they’re leaking and poisoning me?'” she remarked, adding that she intends to discuss this possibility with her healthcare providers.
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In 2008, Applegate had a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction after being diagnosed with an early stage of breast cancer and testing positive for a BRCA1 gene mutation, which increases the risk for breast and other cancers. During her podcast, she stated that it was “way overdue” for her implants to be replaced.
She has reported worsening pain and challenges in moving her right shoulder, mentioning that it can take her at least ten minutes to sit up and get out of bed. She expressed that these symptoms are particularly daunting because “there are so many potential issues at play.”
Her inquiry follows doctors informing her in October that she does not have MS. At that time, Applegate said the revelation left her at “Square 1,” as her physical difficulties persisted and she is undergoing tests for alternative diagnoses, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Lyme disease.
While the origins of Applegate’s symptoms are still unclear, breast implants have, in some instances, been associated with health issues, although the understanding of this condition is limited.
Understanding breast implant illness
Breast implant illness, or BII, refers to symptoms reported by some individuals with implants, including fatigue, cognitive issues, joint discomfort, and muscle pain. The image depicts a Biocell textured breast implant by Allergan. (Nicolas Amaya/CBC)
Breast implant illness, commonly referred to as BII, encompasses a range of symptoms reported by certain individuals who have implants.
As of December 31, 2025, Health Canada had documented 663 instances of symptoms or illnesses linked to breast implants — approximately one report for every 1,025 implants sold in Canada.
Fatigue was the most commonly reported symptom, followed by mood alterations, gastrointestinal issues, and cognitive changes. It’s important to note that these are reports rather than confirmed cases: Health Canada states that the available data cannot determine whether implants were the cause of these symptoms, which could stem from other factors.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has indicated that BII is not an officially recognized medical diagnosis and lacks a specific diagnostic test. Reports of symptoms such as fatigue and joint issues do not clarify the frequency of occurrence or establish a causal relationship with implants.
Julie Elliott, a Canadian advocate for breast implant illness and implant-associated cancer who claims to have experienced health complications following breast augmentation, informed CBC News that some symptoms reported by individuals with implants can overlap with those of MS.
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“Chronic fatigue, memory changes, concentration difficulties, numbness, tingling, nerve discomfort, muscle weakness, hair loss, and so forth — these symptoms are quite similar to those of MS,” Elliott remarked.
However, she cautioned against making assumptions that Applegate’s implants are to blame. “I’m not suggesting that Christina Applegate’s breast implants are the cause of her symptoms,” she stated, emphasizing that it would be “premature and irresponsible” to draw such conclusions.
“Similar symptoms do not necessarily imply the same diagnosis,” Elliott noted. “Nothing should be dismissed or ruled out without proper medical evaluation.”
Christina Applegate, left, 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 in Montreal who has treated more than 1,500 patients seeking implant removal, also stressed the importance of exploring other potential causes.
He described BII as a “diagnosis of exclusion,” indicating that patients require thorough evaluations, and if no alternative causes are identified, the possibility of the implants contributing to the issues should be considered.
Nicolaidis shared that common symptoms he encounters include fatigue, hair loss, skin irritations, breathing challenges, joint and muscle discomfort, sleep disturbances, and brain fog. Some of these can overlap with symptoms of autoimmune disorders.
Regarding the symptoms Applegate has publicly shared, he remarked, “The symptoms she has described could indeed be linked to her breast implants.” However, he noted that the cause of BII remains unclear, and researchers have not yet provided definitive explanations for how implants might lead to these symptoms.
There is no specific diagnostic test for BII, according to Nicolaidis. While imaging may reveal silicone outside of an implant, he indicated that such a finding is not necessary for individuals to report symptoms. He also clarified that BII differs from implant-associated lymphoma, a type of cancer associated with specific textured implants.
Rupture, removal, and future considerations
A rupture or leak represents a different concern compared to BII. The FDA categorizes rupture and deflation as potential complications of implants and recommends that patients consult their healthcare providers about any new or unusual changes in their breasts.
Similarly, Health Canada advises individuals with implants to regularly monitor for unusual changes and discuss any signs or symptoms with their doctor. Decisions regarding whether to keep, replace, or remove implants should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, taking into account individual symptoms, potential causes, and surgical risks, the agency stated.
They do not recommend preventative removal of implants due to the associated surgical risks, and they encourage individuals experiencing symptoms to address them with a healthcare professional.
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Nicolaidis encouraged individuals with symptoms to seek comprehensive medical evaluations. He stated that if no other causes are identified, they can explore whether implants could be contributing and discuss options with their healthcare providers.
He ceased placing breast implants in 2021, believing that the risks often outweigh the benefits, and now primarily focuses on implant removals. He noted that removal does not guarantee relief, as some patients who he has treated for MS have reported only minimal improvement, and individuals with diagnosed autoimmune diseases may still require medical treatment following explant surgery.
Elliott expressed her belief that symptoms related to implants should be taken seriously, while acknowledging that the underlying causes remain unclear. She urged patients to seek balanced, evidence-based information and monitor their health changes.
“The absence of complete answers does not mean that women’s experiences should be disregarded,” she affirmed.
