Christina Applegate, 54, is currently investigating the potential connection between her breast implants and her ongoing pain and fatigue, following a misdiagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) that she received in 2021.
During the November 10 episode of MeSsy, the podcast co-hosted with Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Applegate, known for her breakout role in Married With Children, revealed that she was recently sent a study linking symptoms related to breast implants with those of MS.
“For the past five years, I kept thinking, ‘What if they’re leaking and poisoning me?’” she shared, indicating her intention to bring this concern up with her healthcare team.
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In 2008, Applegate underwent a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction after being diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and discovering she carried a BRCA1 gene mutation, which significantly increases the risk of breast and other cancers. On her podcast, she mentioned that she is “way overdue” for replacing her implants.
She has reported increased pain and issues with mobility in her right shoulder, explaining that it often takes her at least ten minutes to sit up and get out of bed. These challenges, she remarked, are overwhelming due to the multitude of possible underlying issues.
This inquiry follows a medical announcement in October, when doctors informed her that she does not have MS. At that moment, Applegate expressed that the news left her back at “Square 1,” with her physical difficulties persisting as she undergoes evaluations for other potential conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Lyme disease.
While the precise origins of Applegate’s symptoms remain undetermined, there have been instances where breast implants have been associated with health complications, although the nature of these conditions is not entirely understood.
Understanding breast implant illness
Breast implant illness, or BII, describes a range of symptoms reported by some individuals with implants, including fatigue, cognitive changes, and joint and muscle pain. The image depicts a Biocell textured breast implant by Allergan. (Nicolas Amaya/CBC)
Breast implant illness, or BII, refers to a collection of symptoms reported by certain individuals who have received implants.
As of December 31, 2025, Health Canada had documented 663 reports of symptoms or illnesses linked to breast implants, which translates to approximately one report for every 1,025 implants sold in the country.
Fatigue emerged as the most commonly reported symptom, followed by mood fluctuations, gastrointestinal issues, and cognitive changes. It’s important to note that these are reports rather than confirmed cases: Health Canada advises that the available data cannot definitively establish whether the implants caused the reported symptoms, which could stem from other factors.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that BII is not an officially recognized medical diagnosis and lacks a specific testing method. Reports of symptoms like fatigue and joint pain do not clarify how frequently these issues arise or if implants are to blame.
Julie Elliott, an advocate for breast implant illness and implant-associated cancer in Canada who has 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 changes, concentration difficulties, numbness, tingling sensations, nerve pain, muscle weakness, hair loss, and similar issues — these symptoms align closely with those of MS,” Elliott stated.
However, she cautioned against hastily concluding that Applegate’s implants are the cause. “I’m not suggesting that Christina Applegate’s breast implants are the source of her symptoms,” she clarified, adding that making such assumptions would be “premature and irresponsible.”
“Having similar symptoms does not automatically indicate the same diagnosis,” Elliott remarked. “Every possibility should be examined and not dismissed without thorough medical scrutiny.”
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 over 1,500 patients for implant removal, also stressed the importance of investigating alternative causes.
He characterized BII as a “diagnosis of exclusion,” indicating that patients must undergo comprehensive evaluations, and only if no other causes are identified should the possibility of implants contributing to their issues be considered.
Nicolaidis indicated that common symptoms he hears from patients include fatigue, hair loss, skin rashes, breathing difficulties, joint and muscle pain, sleep disturbances, and cognitive fog. Some of these can overlap with symptoms seen in autoimmune disorders.
Referring to the symptoms Applegate has publicly shared, he noted, “The issues she described could indeed be linked to her breast implants.” However, he emphasized that the cause of BII remains unclear, and current research does not provide concrete answers regarding how implants might be linked to these symptoms.
No specific test exists to diagnose BII, Nicolaidis explained. Although imaging may reveal silicone leakage outside of an implant, such findings are not a prerequisite for reporting symptoms. He also highlighted that BII differs from implant-associated lymphoma, a type of cancer associated with certain textured implants.
Ruptures, removal, and future steps
A rupture or leak presents a distinct issue from BII. The FDA identifies rupture and deflation as potential complications of implants and recommends that patients consult healthcare providers regarding any new or unusual changes in their breasts.
Similarly, Health Canada advises individuals with implants to regularly monitor for any unusual breast changes and to discuss any signs or symptoms with their doctors. Decisions about whether to retain, replace, or remove implants should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional after evaluating individual symptoms, potential causes, and surgical risks.
The agency does not advocate for routine preventive removal of implants due to the risks associated with surgery, and encourages individuals experiencing symptoms to discuss these with a healthcare provider.
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Nicolaidis urged individuals experiencing symptoms to undergo a comprehensive medical assessment. He noted that if no other causes are identified, they should explore the possibility of implants contributing to their issues and discuss available options with their healthcare providers.
In 2021, Nicolaidis ceased placing breast implants, believing that in many cases, the risks outweighed the benefits, and he now primarily focuses on implant removal. He emphasized that removal does not guarantee a cure; some patients with MS he has treated have reported little improvement, and those with diagnosed autoimmune disorders may still require medical treatment post-removal, which is termed explant surgery.
Elliott expressed her belief that symptoms related to implants should be taken seriously, even as their causes remain not fully understood. She urged patients to seek well-rounded, evidence-based information and monitor their health changes.
“The lack of comprehensive answers does not invalidate women’s experiences,” she remarked.