Selma Blair allegedly bit a flight attendant on a Delta Air Lines flight to New York, sources said. Her lawyer says missed doses of medication, exhaustion and a fall left her in 'severe confusion and disorientation'.

Her attorney, Shawn Barnes, told a Queens court on Monday that the medication controls severe neurological symptoms in the 54-year-old, who has multiple sclerosis. He said the Sunday night incident was not an intentional assault.

Flight Allegations and Charges

Police said two flight attendants were injured, and one was taken to hospital for further evaluation. A law enforcement source said one was bitten on the hand and the other suffered a cut.

A federal law enforcement source said the FBI had issued Blair a summons over the alleged assaults aboard the plane. The matter will be handled in federal petty violations court in Brooklyn, with no date set for her appearance.

The state charges are separate: Blair pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree assault tied to alleged incidents in an ambulance and at Jamaica Hospital. Prosecutors allege she kicked a Port Authority police officer and a nurse.

Missed Doses, a Fall and Altitude

Barnes said Blair missed several doses of the drug and boarded the flight after working extensive, exhausting hours on set in the days leading up to it. At one point, he said, she fell and hit her head.

He said those factors, coupled with the altitude, resulted in a state of 'severe confusion and disorientation'. In air traffic control audio, the pilot said it sounded like the disruptive passenger bashed her head on the bulkhead 'or something like that'.

No medical confirmation of the lawyer's account was reported, and the medication was not identified. Blair was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018.

Her representative said she experienced a medical emergency that led to the alleged conduct. She received immediate medical attention upon landing and is in stable condition.

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Thinking Difficulties and Treatment

Mayo Clinic says most people with multiple sclerosis have cognitive impairment. This can include memory loss and trouble with language and thinking skills that affect daily activities.

Neuropsychological testing examines thinking, memory, language and social skills and assesses personality and mood. A baseline test may be given soon after diagnosis, with retesting over time.

There is no cure for the disease. Treatment typically focuses on speeding recovery from attacks, reducing relapses, slowing progression and managing symptoms, though some people with mild symptoms need none.

Disease-modifying therapies come as injections, oral medicines and infusions. Many carry serious health risks, and the choice depends on symptoms and disease duration. Several oral therapies require regular blood testing.

The guidance does not address Blair's case, so it cannot explain what happened on the flight. It does show that treatment choices are individual and that thinking difficulties are common in the disease.

Medication Patterns Among Patients

Definitive Healthcare analysed 2024 claims data for patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Gabapentin was prescribed to 20 per cent of patients, followed by baclofen at 15 per cent and prednisone at 13 per cent.

The analysis said those drugs address neuropathic pain, spasticity and inflammation. In medical claims, Ocrevus appeared among 29 per cent of patients, Solu-Medrol among 27 per cent and Tysabri among 9 per cent.

Legal Case Moves Forward

The judge set bail at $20,000 (about £14,900) in cash or a $60,000 (about £44,800) bond. She posted the cash bail and must stay away from the nurse.

Judge Indira Kahn said Blair should not get special treatment because she is a celebrity. She is due back in court on 19 January.

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