Reality star’s emotional revelation sparks concern as doctors warn of fatal risks
Kim Kardashian has revealed she has been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, a potentially life-threatening condition that can strike without warning.
The 45-year-old reality star disclosed the diagnosis in a new episode of The Kardashians, where footage shows her undergoing a brain scan. In the clip, Kardashian appears to suggest that her aneurysm, described as small, may have been triggered by stress.
The revelation has sent shockwaves through fans worldwide, highlighting a condition that often goes unnoticed until it becomes critical. Brain aneurysms, which occur when a blood vessel bulges due to a weakened wall, are thought to affect around one in every fifty people. They are most common among adults aged between 30 and 60, with women more frequently affected.
In many cases, aneurysms remain undetected because they cause no symptoms until they rupture. When they do, the consequences can be devastating. A burst aneurysm in the brain can lead to severe brain damage or death. Even unruptured aneurysms can become dangerous as they enlarge, sometimes causing persistent headaches, vision or speech difficulties, and problems with balance.
Dr Laura Stein, an associate professor of neurology at Mount Sinai and contributor to NBC News, explained: “The most well-described risk factors include a family history of aneurysm, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking and inflammation.” She warned that once a rupture occurs in the brain, the enclosed space of the skull can make the outcome catastrophic. “When it’s a blood vessel that’s in the head and it bleeds, there’s a much higher risk of having a very bad problem just because the brain is enclosed in a fixed space,” she said.
Statistics show that roughly one in three patients who suffer a ruptured brain aneurysm do not survive. Those who do may face lifelong neurological complications. Doctors often monitor smaller, low-risk aneurysms carefully with regular imaging, while larger or high-risk cases may require surgery or minimally invasive endovascular treatment to prevent rupture.
While aneurysms can develop in any artery, they are most frequently found in the aorta — the body’s main blood vessel — and in the arteries of the brain. Stress, lifestyle factors, and genetics can all play a role, though medical professionals warn against assuming any single cause.
Kardashian, who has previously spoken about the pressures of fame and family life, hinted that her own health scare might have been linked to long-term stress. Although she did not reveal further details about her treatment plan, fans have flooded social media with messages of concern and support since the footage aired.
The reality star, entrepreneur, and mother of four has faced public scrutiny throughout her career, often balancing personal challenges with global fame. In the same episode of The Kardashians, she spoke briefly about her relationship with her ex-husband, rapper Kanye West, saying he would “always be in [her] life” because of their children.
Medical experts hope that Kardashian’s openness will raise awareness about aneurysms — particularly among women in her age group, who are statistically more at risk. The condition, though relatively common, remains widely misunderstood and underdiagnosed until tragedy strikes.
City hospitals and neurology specialists are urging the public to take warning signs seriously and attend regular health checks. Persistent headaches, sudden dizziness, or changes in vision or speech should not be ignored, doctors say.
Kardashian has yet to issue a formal statement outside the show, but the revelation marks one of the most personal health disclosures of her career. As one of the world’s most recognisable figures, her experience may prompt millions of viewers to pay closer attention to their own health — and to the hidden dangers that stress can bring.