Selma Blair Offers Health Insights During Ongoing Fight Against Multiple Sclerosis

Selma Blair offered an update regarding her fight against multiple sclerosis (MS), over seven years since she first revealed she had it.

While speaking with Stellar on Saturday, November 22, Blair, 53, verified she had been without a relapse for “a couple of years” and voiced her thankfulness that her condition was not worsening.

“That, naturally, is incredibly important to me, the fact that I’m not, currently, accumulating further damage in my brain. I’ve also progressed quite a bit with the concept of neuroplasticity,” she expressed to the publication.

Blair added, “I’m very, very fortunate. MS affects everyone differently. I believe I have a certain position from which [to speak publicly]. My outspoken nature enjoys exploring what I can achieve regarding stigma.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, MS is “a disease characterized by the breakdown of the protective layer surrounding nerves. Multiple sclerosis may result in numbness, weakness, difficulty walking, altered vision and other symptoms.”

The Cruel Intentions actress publicly announced her MS diagnosis in October 2018 through a heartfelt Instagram post.

At that time, Blair posted a mirror selfie, writing about a wardrobe fitting for her Netflix sci-fi drama, Another Life.

“I was at this wardrobe fitting two days prior. And my gratitude is immense. So profound, in fact, that I’ve decided to share,” Blair penned. “The brilliant costumer #Allisaswanson not only designs the garments #harperglass will wear on this new #Netflix show , but she meticulously assists me in getting my legs into my pants, pulling my tops over my head, buttoning my coats and offering her shoulder as support. I have #multiplesclerosis.”

“I am experiencing an exacerbation,” she went on,  noting her symptoms were intensifying at that time. “Thanks to the grace of God, the determination I possess, and the understanding producers at Netflix, I have a job. A truly wonderful job. I am disabled. I sometimes fall. I drop items. My memory is unclear. And my left side seems to be seeking directions from a faulty GPS. Yet, we are managing. And I laugh, not knowing precisely what I’ll do, but I will give it my best effort.”

Blair proceeded to provide details about her challenging health journey to inspire hope in others facing similar struggles and expressed gratitude to those offering support.

“I am deeply involved, but I hope to provide some hope for others. And perhaps even for myself,” she included. “Help is unattainable unless you request it. Initially, it can be overwhelming. The desire to sleep is ever-present. Therefore, I lack definitive answers. As you can see, I long to sleep. However, I am an open individual and hope for a fulfilling life in some manner. I wish to play with my son again. I want to stroll down the street and ride my horse. I have MS, and I am doing fine. However, should you observe me dropping items along the street, please feel free to assist in picking them up. It consumes an entire day for me alone. Thank you, and may we all experience positive moments amidst the challenges.”

Last month, Blair spoke candidly about instances where doctors dismissed her initial MS symptoms before she received the eventual diagnosis.

“I received a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS in 2018. It appears I likely had juvenile MS since my first episode of optic neuritis occurred around the age of seven, resulting in a lazy eye from nerve damage,” Blair stated at the Flow Space Women’s Health Summit. “However, numerous issues were overlooked throughout my life.”

Blair recounted experiencing consistent pain, fatigue, and neurological issues — all dismissed during her younger years.

“I underwent CAT scans as a child, visited doctors, and spent weeks in hospitals at times,” Blair shared. “I’d develop fevers, experience pain, and an unending, bone-crushing fatigue that persists to this day. When my mom would ask why they couldn’t perform an MRI, they would respond with, ‘Oh, she doesn’t need one. She’s likely just starting her period.’”