Lifestyle influencer and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian, 45, recently updated fans on her reality show “Kardashians” about a shocking health condition. In season seven, the SKIMS founder tells her sister that her brain scan revealed a “small” aneurysm. She reportedly blamed the father of her daughter North for the stress of her divorce from rapper Kanye West.
She was seen undergoing an MRI scan, after which she was visibly in tears. The mother-of-four was speaking to someone on the phone and said: “Why the f*ck is this happening?” This comes after North West's fashion choices came under scrutiny, with Kanye West's partner Bianca Sensori going viral again for her scandalous outfit choices.
What is a brain aneurysm?
A cerebral aneurysm, also called a cerebral aneurysm or intracranial aneurysm, is a weak or weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain that swells and fills with blood. In its early stages, it may go years without rupture and without symptoms, or it may rupture suddenly, causing subarachnoid hemorrhage, a life-threatening type of stroke as defined by the National Library of Medicine. According to the Mayo Clinic, nearly 85% of aneurysms are located in the anterior circulation of the brain.
The National Institutes of Health identifies high-risk groups with conditions such as high blood pressure, genetic disorders and family history. The list includes regular smokers, alcoholics, infections (fungal aneurysms) and plaque buildup in artery walls.
Early warning signs of aneurysm
Most brain aneurysms go undetected until they leak or rupture. However, nerve dilation in sensitive areas such as the nervous system can show some early warning signs. Neurologists at the Mayo Clinic have identified some potential symptoms, such as persistent localized headaches, especially behind the eyes or temples. They add blurred or double vision and pain behind the eyes to the list. Other noticeable symptoms include droopy eyelids, undescribed pupil dilation, facial weakness/numbness, and even slurred speech, and balance problems.
signs of rupture
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons considers a ruptured brain aneurysm the most urgent emergency. Immediate medical attention is needed if certain symptoms occur, such as loss of consciousness, drowsiness, blurred vision, seizures, sudden confusion, and memory loss. Rupture can cause bleeding or heavy bleeding and lead to sudden death.
While Kim Kardashian discovered the abnormality through a routine MRI, aneurysms can also be identified through angiography to detect unruptured swelling. It is more common in women ages 30-60, which, along with other vulnerability factors, makes them a high-risk group. Doctors recommend controlling high blood pressure, quitting smoking and regularly monitoring the condition of blood vessels as preventive measures.