Reality TV star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian has revealed that she has been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, a condition where a weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain bulges and fills with blood. The 45-year-old made the revelation during the season 7 premiere of The Kardashians, which aired on October 22. Kim said the aneurysm was discovered during a routine MRI scan and doctors found a ‘small aneurysm’ in her brain. He also revealed that his doctors believe that stress could be a cause of such conditions.
Kim Kardashian opens up about her diagnosis and its relationship to stress
During the episode, Kim Kardashian became emotional while talking about her diagnosis. He said his doctors believe the aneurysm may have been caused by extreme stress, something he has suffered in recent years. Between her high-profile divorce, managing four children, managing multiple businesses, preparing for the bar exam, and dealing with the trauma of the Paris robbery, mental and emotional pressure has been a part of her life.
What is a brain aneurysm?
A brain aneurysm (also called a cerebral aneurysm) occurs when a weak or thinned spot develops in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain, causing it to swell and fill with blood. Over time, this bulge can become larger and burst, causing bleeding in or around the brain, a life-threatening emergency known as hemorrhagic stroke.
“However, many aneurysms do not heal and are discovered incidentally during scans for other issues,” Dr. Pankaj Aggarwal, head of the department of neurology at Gleneagles Hospital, tells Health Shots. According to research published in the National Library of Medicine, about 3.2 percent of people worldwide are affected by unruptured brain aneurysms. Ruptured aneurysms, on the other hand, are relatively rare, occurring in about 10 out of every 100,000 people each year.
due to brain aneurysm
The exact cause is not always clear, but several factors can weaken blood vessel walls over time. These include high blood pressure, smoking, stress, genetic conditions, head injuries and infections. Prolonged emotional or physical stress, as noted by Kim Kardashian, can also play a role in increasing blood pressure and stress on the vessels. Family history and certain medical conditions, such as connective tissue disorders, may further increase the risk.
Symptoms of brain aneurysm
Most undiagnosed brain aneurysms do not cause symptoms, especially if they are small. These are often discovered during brain imaging for other health checks. However, when the aneurysm bursts, it causes a sudden, severe headache that is often described as “the worst headache of one’s life.” Other symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm include nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, blurred or double vision, light sensitivity, seizures, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
A leaking brain aneurysm, where a small amount of blood escapes, can cause a sudden, intense headache that may last for days or weeks before completely rupturing. Meanwhile, a large unruptured aneurysm pressing on brain tissue or nerves can cause pain above or behind one eye, vision changes, dilated pupils, facial numbness, or seizures.
If you or someone nearby experiences a sudden, severe headache or fainting, seek immediate medical help. Timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications.
Relationship between stress and brain aneurysm
While the exact causes of brain aneurysms are still being studied, chronic stress is believed to play a significant role in their development. “Stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which increase blood pressure and heart rate. Over time, this constant stress can weaken the walls of blood vessels, increasing the risk of aneurysm formation,” says Dr. Aggarwal.
Additionally, chronic stress often leads to unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, poor diet or lack of exercise, which further increases the risk. Managing stress through mindfulness, regular exercise, and adequate rest may be important in maintaining vascular health and preventing serious complications.
(Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you have about any medical condition.)
