Attorney attributes Selma Blair's in-flight arrest to missed multiple sclerosis medication

Selma Blair, 54, was arraigned on two counts of second-degree assault after an incident on a Delta flight that landed in New York City. Her attorney, Shawn Barnes, told the court that Blair had missed several doses of a medication that manages severe neurological symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis, and that she suffered a head injury during the flight. Barnes said the missed medication left her in a state of confusion and disorientation, and suggested that the altitude may have contributed to the situation, describing the episode as a medical emergency rather than criminal misconduct.

Blair was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018. While the specific drug she missed was not identified, neurologists explained that consistent use of disease-modifying therapies is intended to prevent relapses and reduce inflammation. Dr. Lee Murray, a board-certified neurologist, noted that missing a dose can increase the risk of a relapse, which may cause symptoms such as balance problems, vision changes, or bladder dysfunction. He advised patients who experience new neurological deficits after skipping medication to seek prompt medical attention, as high-dose steroids can help mitigate an acute flare.

Dr. Yoshua Quinones, an internist, added that poor adherence to disease-modifying treatments can lead to higher rates of relapse and hospitalization, especially with certain drug classes that, if abruptly stopped, may trigger a rapid return of disease activity. Both physicians emphasized that while a single missed dose is unlikely to be catastrophic, ongoing non-compliance can compromise disease control.