Kim Kardashian has revealed that she has been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm.
The SKIMS founder shared that the aneurysm was discovered during a routine MRI scan, which was filmed for her family’s reality TV series.
In the premiere episode of season seven of The Kardashians, which aired on Thursday, the 45-year-old revealed the news to viewers. In emotional footage, Kim is seen receiving the diagnosis from her doctors and later calling family members to share the shocking information.
During the episode, Kim explained that the MRI scan revealed a “small aneurysm” in her brain. She connected this medical finding to years of stress, particularly following her highly publicized divorce from rapper Kanye West. The couple, married in 2014, filed for divorce in 2021, with the separation finalized in 2022. They share four children: North, 12, Saint, 9, Chicago, 7, and Psalm, 6.
“I probably feel more stressed because I have to protect my children,” Kim said. “Everyone else around me can handle the drama, but I want to protect my babies.”
The reality star also shared that the stress she experienced during her divorce caused a flare-up of psoriasis, a chronic skin condition she hadn’t experienced in years.
“I hadn’t had psoriasis since my divorce, and now it’s coming back,” she explained.
Understanding Brain Aneurysms and Their Risks
A brain aneurysm is a bulge or swelling in a blood vessel in the brain caused by a weakness in the vessel wall, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Many small aneurysms do not cause symptoms and may not require treatment beyond regular monitoring. However, if an aneurysm ruptures, it can lead to life-threatening bleeding in the brain. About half of all ruptured brain aneurysms are fatal, and approximately two-thirds of survivors suffer permanent brain damage or neurological complications.
Medical experts note that while stress does not directly cause aneurysms, chronic stress can increase blood pressure and damage blood vessels over time—both of which may contribute to aneurysm formation. Additionally, sudden spikes in blood pressure due to emotional stress may trigger a rupture in an existing aneurysm.
Kim has not publicly shared her treatment plan or whether doctors have recommended surgery. For small, asymptomatic aneurysms, physicians usually suggest regular monitoring through medical imaging, along with lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and controlling blood pressure.
Co-Parenting Challenges and Life After Divorce
Throughout the episode, Kim also discussed the challenges of co-parenting with West, who has publicly criticized the Kardashian family since their divorce.
“My ex will be in my life no matter what. We have four children together,” she said.
Kim explained that she previously felt a deep sense of responsibility to support and protect West during his struggles with mental health and unpredictable behavior. However, she stated that she no longer carries that emotional burden.
“I always felt responsible, always wanted to protect, and always wanted to help,” she said. “This was the first time I didn’t feel personally responsible. It’s heartbreaking, but also liberating.”
This episode highlighted the significant impact that stress can have on both physical and mental health, and emphasized the importance of self-care and family support in navigating difficult life events. Kim’s story serves as a reminder of how personal challenges can affect overall wellbeing and the ways people work to protect themselves and their loved ones.
A Message About Health Awareness
The revelation also brings attention to the importance of routine health checks, understanding warning signs, and taking proactive steps to manage stress and physical health. Kim’s openness encourages discussions around brain health, the effects of chronic stress, and the value of seeking medical guidance when needed.
Even amid a busy and public life, prioritizing health—both mental and physical—remains crucial, and Kim’s experience underlines how quickly hidden medical conditions can emerge, sometimes linked to long-term stress.