Kim Kardashian reveals she had small aneurysm in her brain; Doctor shares it can be fatal if ruptured

Kim Kardashian reveals she had small aneurysm in her brain (Picture Credit: Instagram/@kimkardashian)

Kim Kardashian revealed during the season 7 premiere of The Kardashians that during a routine MRI scan, it was found that she had a small aneurysm in her brain, adding that the doctor believed that stress could have led to the formation of it.

In the recent years, Kim has seen things going south in her personal life. During the episode,  Kardashian linked the health issue to years of emotional stress and her turbulent relationship with former husband Kanye West. For the uninitiated, Kim and Kanye were married for 7 years before their divorce got finalised in 2022. They have four children together.

To understand more about aneurysm condition, Moneycontrol's team reached out to Dr Narendra Motarwar, Consultant, Neurosurgery, Jupiter hospital, Pune.

What is Aneurysm?

Dr Motarwar said that a weak or enlarged section of an artery, similar to a balloon bulge, was known as an aneurysm. "Your arteries are huge blood channels that deliver oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of your body. If a section of an artery wall weakens, the force of blood pouring through it can cause a bulge or aneurysm," he explained further.

Are aneurysm painful?
The doctor said they are usually painless. "You might not realise it that you have one until it ruptures or bursts. If it so happens, it can be extremely harmful, even fatal," Dr Motarwar told Moneycontrol.

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He also added that even unruptured aneurysm may press on brain tissue or nerves, causing pain and other symptoms. "The line of treatment depends a lot of the kind, location and size of aneurysms," he shared.

Symptoms of aneurysm

The symptoms caused by an aneurysm vary depending on its location. You may notice indicators of shock, such as a dip in blood pressure, feeling clammy and a racing heart. Other signs of an aneurysm may include:

- Feeling confused or dizzy
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain in your stomach, chest, or back
- Swelling in neck or a pulsating abdominal lump
- Altered vision

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How to avoid this condition?

When it comes to avoiding some disease or ailment, it inevitably all comes down to one's lifestyle. "A high blood pressure raises the chance of developing an aneurysm or having one ruptured. Eating a nutritious diet can improve your blood pressure, inflammation, cholesterol, and weight, all of which increase your risk of an aneurysm. One should also avoid smoking and passive smoking, as it causes blood vessels to damage and increases the likelihood of formation of aneurysm. Alcohol consumption too can have an adverse effect on your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It can also lead to inflammation, weakening the artery walls," shared Dr Motarwar.

FAQs on aneurysm:

What is an aneurysm?

An aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning in the wall of a blood vessel caused by weakness in that wall. It can occur anywhere in the body but is most common in the brain (cerebral aneurysm) and the aorta (aortic aneurysm).

What causes an aneurysm to form?

Aneurysms can result from factors like high blood pressure, smoking, atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries), genetic conditions, infections, or trauma. Family history can also increase risk.

What are the symptoms of an aneurysm?

Many aneurysms cause no symptoms until they rupture. When symptoms do occur, they can include sudden severe headache (for brain aneurysm), chest or back pain (for aortic aneurysm), dizziness, or vision problems.

How is an aneurysm diagnosed?

Aneurysms are usually detected through imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, or angiography — often done when investigating other health issues.

Can aneurysms be treated or prevented?
Yes. Small, unruptured aneurysms may be monitored, while larger or high-risk ones can be treated surgically (clipping, coiling, or stent grafts). Preventive steps include controlling blood pressure, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.