Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, known for his resilience both on and off screen, recently made a startling revelation on The Great Indian Kapil Show—he is battling not just one, but three serious neurological conditions: trigeminal neuralgia, a brain aneurysm, and an arteriovenous malformation (AVM).
While fans have long known about his struggle with trigeminal neuralgia—a condition that causes excruciating, shock-like facial pain—his disclosure about aneurysms and AVMs has sparked curiosity and concern. Let’s decode these disorders, how they affect the body, and who is at risk.
What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
The trigeminal nerve, which sends sensation from the face to the brain, is affected by trigeminal neuralgia. For people with this disorder, even basic activities like shaving, applying makeup, or brushing their teeth can result in severe, stabbing face pain. It is sometimes compared to an electric shock and can last anywhere from a few seconds to many minutes. Salman had surgery in 2011 to relieve pressure on this nerve, even though his condition is chronic and often unpredictable.
Arteriovenous malformations, or AVMs, are what?
An AVM is a network of aberrant blood vessels that connect the brain’s veins and arteries without going via the capillary system. Normal blood flow is disrupted by this aberrant link, which can also cause vascular weakening and increase the risk of rupture. Many AVMs are asymptomatic for years and may never cause issues unless they bleed, even though the majority are congenital (existing at birth). Men are more likely to have AVMs, which can cause headaches, seizures, muscle weakness, and even paralysis if they burst.
Aneurysms: What Are They?
A balloon-like bulge in a blood vessel’s wall, an aneurysm is frequently brought on by excessive blood pressure, heredity, or arterial injury. Aneurysms in the brain have the potential to grow silently and then burst, causing potentially fatal internal bleeding. Brain aneurysms are more common in women and typically form in adulthood.
Are AVMs and Aneurysms Related?
Yes, particularly when they take place in the brain. Up to 58% of AVM cases are linked to aneurysms, according to studies; therefore, individuals like Salman may have comorbid illnesses that, if left untreated, greatly raise their risk of stroke or hemorrhage.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
AVM symptoms may include:
Ringing in the ears
Headaches or backaches
Seizures
Muscle weakness or paralysis
Difficulty speaking or walking
Loss of consciousness
Aneurysm symptoms include:
Sudden, intense headache
Rapid heartbeat
Dizziness or confusion
Nausea and vomiting
Pain in the head, chest, or back
Risk of sudden internal bleeding if ruptured
Who Is at Risk?
These neurological conditions are often linked to:
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Genetic predisposition
Smoking and poor lifestyle habits
Most AVMs are detected before age 50, while aneurysms commonly appear in adulthood.
Treatments Available
Modern medicine offers minimally invasive treatments:
For AVMs: Catheter-based surgeries or targeted radiation (radiosurgery) to shrink the tangled vessels.
For aneurysms: Platinum coils can be inserted through a catheter to prevent rupture. Small aneurysms under 4 mm are typically monitored closely.
Salman Khan’s courage in continuing his work while managing three complex neurological disorders is both admirable and eye-opening. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of regular health checkups, early diagnosis, and timely treatment.
