Selma Blair’s Resilient Journey with Multiple Sclerosis
Actress Selma Blair recently shared an encouraging update about her ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis (MS), marking a significant milestone in her health journey that began more than seven years ago. Now 53, Blair revealed in an interview with Stellar magazine that she has been relapse-free for a “couple of years” – news that brings her immense relief and gratitude. “That, of course, means the world to me that I’m not, at this moment, accumulating more damage in my brain,” Blair explained, highlighting the positive strides she’s made through neuroplasticity techniques. The actress acknowledges her fortunate position, understanding that MS manifests differently for everyone. With characteristic candor, she expressed her commitment to using her platform and her “big mouth” to combat stigma surrounding the condition, which the Mayo Clinic describes as “a disease that causes breakdown of the protective covering of nerves,” resulting in symptoms ranging from numbness and weakness to vision changes and mobility issues.
Blair’s MS journey became public knowledge in October 2018 through a heartfelt Instagram post that resonated with millions. The post featured a mirror selfie taken during a wardrobe fitting for her Netflix series “Another Life,” where she praised costume designer Allisa Swanson who helped her dress when her symptoms made it difficult. “I have #multiplesclerosis,” Blair wrote in the emotional revelation, explaining that she was experiencing an exacerbation of symptoms at the time. Despite her challenges, she expressed gratitude for her supportive employers at Netflix who accommodated her condition. With remarkable honesty, she detailed her symptoms: “I fall sometimes. I drop things. My memory is foggy. And my left side is asking for directions from a broken GPS.” Yet through it all, Blair maintained her determination and characteristic humor, promising to do her best despite the uncertainties ahead.
The “Cruel Intentions” star’s candid disclosure was motivated by a desire to offer hope to others facing similar battles. “I am in the thick of it but I hope to give some hope to others. And even to myself,” she wrote in her original announcement. Blair didn’t shy away from describing the overwhelming fatigue that accompanies MS – “You want to sleep. You always want to sleep” – while simultaneously expressing her desire to reclaim everyday activities like playing with her son and riding her horse. Her vulnerable admission struck a chord with many, particularly when she acknowledged needing assistance: “If you see me, dropping crap all over the street, feel free to help me pick it up. It takes a whole day for me alone.” This balance of raw honesty and resilient optimism has characterized Blair’s approach to living with MS throughout her journey.
Recently, Blair revealed the frustrating path to her diagnosis, sharing that medical professionals dismissed her early symptoms for years. Speaking at the Flow Space Women’s Health Summit, she explained that her MS likely began in childhood: “I was diagnosed with relapsing limiting MS in 2018. It turned out I probably had juvenile MS as my first optical neuritis was when I was about seven, which left me with a lazy eye from nerve damage.” This revelation highlighted the often-overlooked reality that MS can manifest in childhood, though it frequently goes unrecognized until adulthood. Blair recalled experiencing consistent pain, debilitating fatigue, and neurological problems throughout her youth – symptoms that were repeatedly minimized or misattributed by healthcare providers despite her mother’s advocacy for more thorough testing.
The actress described spending weeks in hospitals as a child, suffering from unexplained fevers, pain, and what she calls “bone crushing fatigue” that continues to this day. Despite these clear indicators of a neurological condition, Blair’s concerns were often dismissed with gendered assumptions: “My mom would say, why can’t you give her an MRI? And they’re like, ‘Oh, she doesn’t need it. She’s probably getting her period.'” This experience highlights a troubling pattern in women’s healthcare, where serious symptoms are often attributed to hormones or psychological causes rather than investigated for underlying neurological conditions. Blair’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of advocating for thorough medical evaluation when symptoms persist, regardless of age or gender.
Blair’s ongoing transparency about her MS journey has transformed her from a beloved actress to an influential advocate for those living with invisible disabilities. Her willingness to document both her struggles and triumphs – from using mobility aids on red carpets to celebrating periods of remission – has helped normalize conversations about chronic illness in public spaces. By sharing her current period of stability while acknowledging the unpredictable nature of MS, Blair offers a balanced perspective that neither minimizes the challenges of the condition nor surrenders to despair. Her journey reminds us that while chronic illness changes lives, it doesn’t define them – and that speaking openly about these experiences not only provides personal catharsis but creates vital visibility for others walking similar paths. As Blair continues to navigate life with MS, her resilience, humor, and advocacy work continue to inspire countless others facing their own health battles.
