Salman Khan Is Coping With Three Major Health Issues: Here’s What They Are
“Despite suffering from trigeminal neuralgia, a brain aneurysm, and an AV malformation, I’m still working,” said Salman Khan.
During a recent episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show on Netflix, actor Salman Khan disclosed that he is currently dealing with three significant medical conditions – brain aneurysm, trigeminal neuralgia, and arteriovenous (AV) malformation.
“I’m constantly pushing through – with fractured ribs and other injuries. I’m continuing to work despite being diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia, a brain aneurysm, and an AV malformation,” said the 59-year-old actor.
A look at the three medical conditions:
What Is a Brain Aneurysm?
A brain aneurysm, also known as a cerebral aneurysm, is a potentially dangerous condition where a weak area in a brain blood vessel swells outward, forming a balloon-like bulge. While many of these remain unnoticed and harmless, some can rupture, causing bleeding inside or around the brain.
The bulging occurs due to constant blood pressure against a weakened arterial wall. Over time, the wall stretches and thins, increasing the chance of it bursting, similar to an overinflated balloon that could suddenly pop.
If It Bursts…
A ruptured aneurysm leads to a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a kind of stroke that involves bleeding in the area around the brain. This can cause brain swelling, raised intracranial pressure, and can be life-threatening or disabling. The most notable symptom is a sudden, severe headache—often described as a “thunderclap headache.” Other symptoms may follow quickly: loss of consciousness, vomiting, seizures, light sensitivity, blurred vision, stiff neck, confusion, or sudden behavioral changes.
Risk Factors Include:
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol intake
- High blood pressure
- Drug use (e.g., cocaine or amphetamines)
- Genetic disorders (like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or polycystic kidney disease)
- Family history of aneurysms or hemorrhagic stroke
- Head injuries or infections (less commonly)
What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
In this condition, the trigeminal nerve, which carries facial sensations to the brain, malfunctions. It sends sudden, sharp pain signals, often without any clear cause. It typically affects only one side of the face, commonly the jaw, cheek, lips, teeth, or eye region.
Symptoms:
- Sudden, intense facial pain (likened to an electric shock or stabbing).
- Attacks last a few seconds to minutes, but can occur frequently.
- Triggered by everyday actions like brushing teeth, shaving, talking, eating, or even gentle wind.
Two Main Types:
- Type 1 (Typical) – Repeated, severe shooting pain with pain-free periods.
- Type 2 (Atypical) – Constant aching or burning pain, less intense but more persistent.
Common Causes:
- Often due to compression of the nerve by a blood vessel.
- May also stem from multiple sclerosis, tumors, facial injury, or sometimes with no clear cause (idiopathic).
What Is an AV Malformation?
An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a cluster of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries and veins, bypassing the usual capillary system. This disrupts regular blood flow and oxygen delivery. AVMs can develop anywhere, but are especially dangerous when they occur in the brain or spinal cord.
Common Symptoms:
- Sudden, intense headache
- Seizures
- Blurred or double vision
- Weakness or numbness in limbs
- Speech difficulties
In many cases, the first sign of an AVM is a brain hemorrhage.
Possible Complications:
- Bleeding (hemorrhage) – The most serious outcome, which can cause stroke or death.
- Seizures
- Persistent headaches
- Neurological issues (e.g., vision loss, speech impairment, or weakness)
- Heart failure in newborns with large AVMs
Causes:
- Typically present at birth, though not usually inherited.
- May stay silent for many years without causing symptoms.
AVMs Can Occur In:
- Brain (cerebral AVMs) – the most dangerous and most common
- Spinal cord
- Lungs, liver, or other organs
- Skin or soft tissue
