Selma Blair publicly announced her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) in October 2018, after years of unexplained symptoms such as weakness, spasms, memory fog and difficulty walking.
The American actress has admitted that receiving the diagnosis gave her a sense of relief and validation as it explained health issues she had been struggling with for years.
MS is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This disrupts communication between the brain and body, causing symptoms such as balance problems, muscle weakness and coordination problems.
Blair has become an outspoken advocate for those with chronic illness or disability, sharing candid updates about her health, challenges and emotional journey.
She also took time away from acting to focus on treatment and her well-being, documenting parts of her experiences in the documentary: Introducing, Selma Blair.
In 2021, she underwent a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), a medical procedure that resets the immune system, putting her MS into remission.
In recent years, the 53-year-old star has said she has relapsed and rebuilt her stamina, finding new purpose in advocacy and family life with her son.
“I’m doing incredibly well. I’ve been feeling great for about a year,” she said while attending the Daily Front Row’s ninth annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards.
“But I’m finally better enough to really, honestly… I always try to do my best, but now that I actually have stamina and energy, it’s not so scary to go outside anymore,” she added.
Selma Blair has admitted that she initially felt “off” for years before her diagnosis and now walks with a cane due to some of the effects of MS, but continues to use her platform to raise awareness about the disease, becoming a beacon of hope for others dealing with long-term health issues.
