(NEXSTAR) – Kim Kardashian, known for her reality TV persona and her advocacy for criminal justice reform, has disclosed that she has been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm.
A teaser that aired Wednesday during the season premiere of Keeping Up With the Kardashians showcases Kardashian undergoing an MRI scan, where she tells a family member about having “a small aneurysm.” Reports from various outlets confirm this diagnosis.
A brain aneurysm occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bulges or balloons. The Mayo Clinic explains that constant blood flow can create pressure in weakened areas of the brain and arteries, leading to this bulge.
Aside from natural aging of the arteries, several factors can increase the likelihood of developing an aneurysm. Smoking and high blood pressure are notable risk factors. Other issues like drug use, family history, excessive alcohol consumption, infections, and severe head injuries can also play a role.
Conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Marfan syndrome can further weaken arteries, heightening aneurysm risks.
When it comes to symptoms, they can vary widely depending on whether the aneurysm has ruptured. An unruptured aneurysm may cause headaches, vision changes, and even tingling sensations in the head or face.
Statistics suggest that around 6% of people in the U.S. may have brain aneurysms that aren’t actively bleeding, yet approximately 30,000 individuals deal with ruptured aneurysms each year.
Interestingly, many might not realize they have a brain aneurysm until it ruptures, which can lead to severe complications needing immediate medical attention. A rupture can result in a subarachnoid hemorrhage, putting patients at risk for life-threatening conditions.
Signs that an aneurysm has burst include a sudden, intense headache, often described as the worst headache ever experienced. The Cleveland Clinic notes that a minor leak may cause a “warning headache” days or weeks in advance of a major rupture.
Other symptoms of concern include neck stiffness, nausea, and confusion. Yet, it’s worth mentioning that, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, most aneurysms are small and typically do not exhibit symptoms or have a high risk of rupture.
Treatment approaches can vary significantly based on factors like the aneurysm’s size and location, and whether it has ruptured. While surgery may be an option for ruptured cases, it could also be suitable for unruptured ones depending on the patient’s individual circumstances.
As of now, previews of the show do not indicate what type of treatment, if any, Kardashian has undergone.
Interestingly, last year, Dr. Dre shared his own health struggles, revealing he suffered three strokes after being hospitalized with a brain aneurysm in early 2021.
