What Disease Does Selma Blair Have? The Actress Speaks Candidly about Her Health

Selma Blair has been open about her past struggles, trauma, and health condition. In her new memoir, “Mean Baby,” she detailed how she coped with her illness and hoped it would also help others.

Selma Blair recently launched her memoir, “Mean Baby,” where the actress opened up about the assault she received from a high school administrator as a teen.

The actress also touched on other traumatic memories that occurred in her childhood and teenage years, which others may resonate with.

Selma Blair during the 26th annual Race To Erase MS Gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on May 10, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

As a result, she turned into alcohol, which turned her life upside down. Although she has been sober since 2016, Blair still struggles with a life-threatening condition called Multiple Sclerosis, which she was diagnosed with in 2018.

WHAT DISEASE DOES SELMA BLAIR HAVE?

According to the NHS, “Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm, or leg movement, sensation or balance.” Although it is often mild, there is no known cure for the condition.

Blair experienced pain and a high fever before the diagnosis. Initially, doctors thought she had leukemia, but as she aged, the symptoms continued.

Selma Blair during the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 24, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

The actress went through chemotherapy and stem cell transplant to treat the condition’s symptoms. At present, she has gone back to regular activities, including horseback riding, which she has loved for a long time. She said:

“The pain is still there. I’m in remission [but] I built no new lesions. I still have, you know, some brain damage and things that are there, but I’m okay with it. I’m grateful because I’m doing so much better.”

HOW HAS SELMA BLAIR SHARED HER BATTLE WITH MS?

Blair produced a documentary, “Introducing, Selma Blair,” which features her stem cell transplant for her diagnosis. She wanted people to see what MS was like and how it is being endured by real people who are still “very human,” despite what may be projected on the screen.

In an interview, Blair said that she also had critics who said she was a fake because she could still wear heels while having MS. 

“I can take the heat if someone thinks my MS is weird, or that’s not on track, or I said it the wrong way,” she said. “I can take that hit to open the conversation for a lot of other people.”

“I just really craved seeing someone else in my position,” Blair said. “This is perfect because then I can touch everyone that chooses to see it and love on them by being open, but yet then I can go back to my house without a camera.”

WHAT OTHER STRUGGLES HAS SELMA BLAIR HAD?

Aside from her MS struggles, Blair also experienced other challenges while growing up, including her alcohol dependency rooted in her past traumas.

Blair has been sober since 2016 and hopes that her experiences can help those who are in similar situations. Like the actress, other stars suffered the same condition, including Disney’s Annette Funicello.

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