Kim Kardashian reveals she has brain aneurysm: Here’s what that means |
Reality television star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian revealed about her brain aneurysm diagnosis during the preview of Season 7 of her reality show ‘The Kardashians.’ The episode premiered on Thursday on Hulu, where she revealed the diagnosis to her family.
Kim Kardashian had a lot going on lately – a high-profile divorce, which ‘tested’ her in ways she didn’t see coming, challenges of completing law school amid managing her kids and fashion empire, and testifying in court against the burglars who robbed her in Paris. One, even more crucial addition to it was her brain aneurysm diagnosis.
What is a brain aneurysm?
A brain aneurysm is a swelling in a blood vessel in the brain, according to the National Health Service (NHS). As per the American Heart Association, this condition occurs when part of an artery wall weakens, allowing it to abnormally balloon out or widen. A brain aneurysm is also called a cerebral aneurysm.In rare cases, the aneurysm can burst, causing a bleed on the brain. About 1 out of every 50 people has an unruptured brain aneurysm, according to Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Many are unaware because of the absence of symptoms. Each year, around 30,000 Americans experience a ruptured brain aneurysm.The causes of aneurysms are sometimes unknown. Some are born with them. In some, it can be hereditary. A family history of aneurysm may increase the risk of developing an aneurysm.Aortic disease or an injury may also cause an aneurysm. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and tobacco use are some other risk factors.
Types of aneurysm
There are three main types of brain aneurysms.
- Saccular aneurysms
- Fusiform aneurysms
- Mycotic aneurysms
What are the symptoms?
Though the preview shows Kim Kardashian undergoing a brain scan, it is not clear whether she has been experiencing symptoms or not.Most of the aneurysms in the brain are small, and so they don’t necessarily cause symptoms. People often find out about this condition during a test for another condition.In cases where the brain aneurysm is large, it can lead to the following symptoms, as per the NHS.
- a headache
- pain above or around your eye
- changes in your vision, such as double vision
- dizziness and balance problems
- numbness or weakness on 1 side of your face
- difficulty concentrating and speaking
- problems with your short-term memory
Symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm
‘Thunderclap headache’, which is a sudden and severe headache, is the warning sign of a ruptured aneurysm, also called a subarachnoid hemorrhage. It is a life-threatening medical emergency. Other symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm are
- confusion
- light sensitivity
- nausea or vomiting
- seizure
- stiff neck
- double vision
- drooping eyelid
- speech problems
Treatment
A small brain aneurysm without any symptoms usually does not require treatment, according to the NHS. “This is because they often do not get bigger and have a low risk of bursting. You may just need regular follow-up scans to check if it’s getting bigger.”
In cases where there is a risk of an aneurysm bursting, or if it bursts, surgery will be required. Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment.
