Christina Applegate, 54, is currently investigating the potential connection between her breast implants and her ongoing pain and fatigue, following her misdiagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2021.
During the November 10 episode of MeSsy, the podcast she co-hosts with Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Applegate, known for her role as a teenager in the popular sitcom Married With Children, mentioned that someone had sent her a study indicating that symptoms related to breast implants could mimic those of MS.
“I swear, for the past five years, I’ve wondered, ‘What if they’re leaking and poisoning me?'” she stated, mentioning her intention to discuss this issue with her healthcare providers.
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In 2008, Applegate underwent a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction after being diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and found to have a BRCA1 gene mutation, which increases the likelihood of breast and other cancers. On her podcast, she mentioned that it is “way overdue” for her to replace her implants.
She has also reported increasing pain and mobility issues with her right shoulder, stating that it can take her at least 10 minutes to sit up and leave her bed. She described these symptoms as overwhelming due to the numerous potential underlying causes.
Her inquiry into her symptoms follows her doctors informing her in October that she does not have MS. At that time, Applegate expressed that the news brought her back to “Square 1,” as her physical challenges persist and she is undergoing tests for other possible conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Lyme disease.
The cause of Applegate’s symptoms remains unclear, but there have been associations between breast implants and various health issues, although the specifics of this condition are not thoroughly 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 photo shows a Biocell textured breast implant by Allergan. (Nicolas Amaya/CBC)
Breast implant illness, commonly referred to as BII, encompasses various symptoms reported by some individuals with implants.
As of December 31, 2025, Health Canada had received 663 reports of symptoms or illnesses linked to breast implants, which equates to roughly one report for every 1,025 implants sold in Canada.
Fatigue was the most commonly reported symptom, followed by mood changes, gastrointestinal issues, and cognitive alterations. These are reports rather than confirmed cases; Health Canada notes that the available data cannot definitively determine whether implants caused these symptoms, as other factors may be at play.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicates that BII is not an officially recognized medical diagnosis and lacks specific testing protocols. Reports of symptoms like fatigue and joint pain cannot clarify their prevalence or establish whether implants are the cause.
Julie Elliott, a Canadian advocate for breast implant illness and implant-associated cancer with the Breast Implant Safety Alliance, who experienced health issues following breast augmentation, shared with CBC News that certain symptoms reported by individuals with implants can overlap with those of MS.
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“Chronic fatigue, memory difficulties, concentration issues, numbness, tingling, nerve pain, muscle weakness, hair loss, and so on — these symptoms are indeed similar to those seen in MS,” Elliott remarked.
However, she cautioned against drawing a direct correlation between Applegate’s implants and her symptoms. “I am not implying that Christina Applegate’s breast implants are the cause of her issues,” she stated, emphasizing that it would be “premature and irresponsible” to make such an assumption.
“Similar symptoms do not necessarily indicate an identical diagnosis,” Elliott pointed out. “Everything should be thoroughly examined and not dismissed without proper medical investigation.”
Christina Applegate, left, arrives for 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 for implant removal, also highlighted the necessity of exploring other potential causes.
He described BII as a “diagnosis of exclusion,” which requires thorough evaluation of patients, and if no other cause is identified, the possibility of implants contributing to the issues should be considered.
Nicolaidis mentioned that common symptoms he hears include fatigue, hair loss, skin rashes, breathing difficulties, joint and muscle pain, sleep disturbances, and cognitive fog. Some of these can overlap with symptoms of autoimmune disorders.
Referring to the symptoms Applegate has publicly mentioned, he noted, “The symptoms she has experienced could indeed be linked to her breast implants.” Nevertheless, the exact cause of BII remains unclear, and he stated that researchers do not yet possess conclusive evidence regarding how implants might trigger such symptoms.
There is no specific testing available to diagnose BII, according to Nicolaidis. While imaging may reveal silicone leakage from an implant, he explained that such findings are not required for patients to report symptoms. He also emphasized that BII is distinct from implant-associated lymphoma, a type of cancer connected to certain textured implants.
Rupture, Removal, and Future Steps
A rupture or leakage is a distinct issue from BII. The FDA lists rupture and deflation among the potential complications associated with implants and recommends patients consult with a healthcare provider regarding any new or unusual breast changes.
Similarly, Health Canada advises individuals with implants to routinely check for unusual breast changes and to discuss any signs or symptoms with their doctor. Decisions regarding keeping, replacing, or removing implants should involve discussions with a clinician, taking into account individual symptoms, potential causes, and surgical risks.
The agency does not recommend preventive removal of implants due to surgical risks and advises those experiencing symptoms to raise their concerns with a healthcare professional.
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Nicolaidis recommended that individuals with symptoms seek comprehensive medical evaluations. If no alternative causes are identified, they may explore whether their implants could be contributing to their issues and consider options with their healthcare providers.
He ceased placing breast implants in 2021, believing that the associated risks often outweigh the benefits, and now primarily focuses on implant removal. However, he noted that removal does not guarantee a complete resolution of symptoms. Some patients he has treated for MS have reported only marginal improvement, and those with diagnosed autoimmune diseases may still require medical treatment post-explant surgery.
Elliott emphasizes that symptoms linked to implants should be taken seriously, even while acknowledging that the underlying causes are not fully known. She encourages patients to seek balanced, evidence-based information and to monitor their health changes closely.
“Just because we lack all the answers doesn’t mean we should disregard women’s experiences,” she emphasized.