Kim Kardashian recently revealed that a brain aneurysm was discovered during an MRI scan, prompting experts to discuss the condition’s causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Kim Kardashian has opened up about a recent health scare involving a brain aneurysm. The 45-year-old Skims founder shared the news in a preview clip for Season 7 of Hulu’s “The Kardashians,” where she informed her family, “There was a little aneurysm.” While the exact cause of the aneurysm remains unidentified, Kardashian’s doctors have suggested that stress may be a contributing factor.
A brain aneurysm occurs when a blood vessel in the brain balloons, which can lead to leakage or rupture, resulting in bleeding. According to the Mayo Clinic, this condition can be serious and potentially life-threatening. Dr. Adam Arthur, chairman of neurosurgery at the University of Tennessee, explained that an aneurysm represents a weakness in the wall of an artery, likening it to a small water balloon forming off a hose. If an aneurysm ruptures, it can lead to a hemorrhagic stroke, which can have devastating consequences.
Dr. Arthur noted that while most aneurysms are small and do not pose a significant risk if they remain unruptured, they are more prevalent in women. He indicated that genetics may play a role in this disparity, stating, “There’s so much about the brain and about genetics that we don’t understand.” It is estimated that aneurysms are present in approximately one in every 50 individuals, and many do not require treatment.
When an aneurysm becomes problematic, it can cause a sudden stroke, often characterized by what patients describe as “the worst headache of their life.” Dr. Arthur elaborated on this symptom, describing it as a “very abnormal headache, often behind the eye.” He expressed relief that Kardashian’s aneurysm was discovered before it could lead to a stroke, calling it “a blessing.”
Several factors can increase the likelihood of aneurysm formation. These include binge drinking, exposure to nicotine, certain genetic conditions, and the use of drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine. Dr. Arthur emphasized that drugs and nicotine can adversely affect blood vessel health, contributing to aneurysm growth and rupture. Chronic stress has also been linked to the condition, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise.
Understanding family history is crucial when it comes to aneurysms. Dr. Arthur recommends that individuals with two close relatives who have experienced aneurysms should consider undergoing screening exams, such as MRIs.
While some aneurysms can lead to sudden fatal strokes, those experiencing symptoms—particularly intense headaches—should seek medical attention to explore treatment options. If an aneurysm is detected before it ruptures, minimally invasive surgery may be performed to prevent a stroke. Alternatively, open surgery can be conducted, where a surgeon can pinch the aneurysm shut through an incision along the hairline.
For older patients with smaller aneurysms, monitoring by a physician is often the preferred approach to ensure that the aneurysm does not grow or cause further complications. “We do have ways of fixing aneurysms now that are pretty remarkable,” Dr. Arthur stated. He explained that medical professionals can place a metal mesh over the opening of the aneurysm or fill it with a device, allowing the body to form a clot and scar tissue over time.
Stroke remains the leading cause of disability in the United States, with Dr. Arthur noting that it “disables way more people than it outright kills.” This underscores the importance of awareness and early detection of brain aneurysms.
Fox News Digital’s Christina Dugan Ramirez contributed to this report. Fox News Digital reached out to Kardashian for comment.
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