Kourtney Kardashian was left shocked when she heard of her sister’s health update
Season seven of The Kardashians began with an unexpected and deeply personal revelation from Kim Kardashian, as the reality star opened up about a recent health scare that left her family stunned. In the season premiere, which aired on October 23, Kim revealed that doctors had discovered something concerning during a medical examination—a small aneurysm in her brain.
The emotional episode featured a candid Kim discussing her health, stress, and the toll of her ongoing life pressures. Speaking with her sister Kourtney, Kim described how she had recently undergone an MRI scan after feeling unwell, and the results showed a “little aneurysm.” The revelation shocked Kourtney, who reacted with visible concern, clearly startled by the news of her sister’s diagnosis.
Kim explained that her doctors believed the aneurysm may have been triggered by stress. Although small and not immediately life-threatening, the finding was nonetheless frightening, especially given how unpredictable aneurysms can be. A brain aneurysm occurs when a weakened blood vessel in the brain bulges outward due to pressure from circulating blood. Most small aneurysms do not rupture or cause symptoms, but if one does, the consequences can be severe or even fatal.
Medical experts note that stress itself doesn’t directly cause aneurysms to form, but it can increase blood pressure—one of the main risk factors for developing or worsening them. Persistent high stress and hypertension can therefore make existing aneurysms more dangerous over time. Kim’s revelation underscored this connection, as she reflected on how the pressures of her personal life have taken a toll on her physical well-being.
Psoriasis Returns Amid Heightened Stress
Kim also revealed in the same episode that she has been struggling with another health issue—her psoriasis has returned after years of remission. “I haven’t had psoriasis since I got divorced, and it just started coming back,” she shared. “I felt more stressed, probably just because I had to super, super protect what I had to protect.”
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes red, flaky, and often itchy patches of skin. Although not life-threatening, flare-ups are frequently linked to stress and emotional strain, both of which Kim admitted she has been dealing with recently. Her comments suggest that the physical symptoms may be reflecting the mental pressure she’s under.
Kim has publicly battled psoriasis for years, occasionally sharing her experiences and remedies with fans. At one point, she also developed psoriatic arthritis, a related inflammatory condition that can cause joint pain and stiffness. While she’s previously managed it well, the recent recurrence of her symptoms seems to have coincided with what she describes as one of the most stressful periods in her life.
The Possible Role of Stress
Throughout the episode, Kim made several references to the ongoing challenges in her personal life, particularly those involving her ex-husband, Kanye West. Though the two finalized their divorce in 2021, she explained that co-parenting their four children has not been easy and that his continued presence in her life remains a significant source of emotional strain.
“People think that I have the luxury of walking away,” Kim said. “My ex will be in my life no matter what. We have four kids together.” She described feeling “pretty tested” in recent months, a statement that resonated with viewers who have followed her highly publicized relationship and its aftermath.
Doctors have long recognized that chronic stress can affect nearly every system in the body. It raises cortisol levels, increases blood pressure, and can contribute to inflammation—all of which have downstream effects on cardiovascular and neurological health. Kim’s admission that her doctors suspected stress as a possible factor in her aneurysm only reinforces how powerful and far-reaching the effects of long-term emotional strain can be.
What a Brain Aneurysm Means
A brain aneurysm, sometimes called a cerebral aneurysm, is essentially a weak spot in the wall of a blood vessel inside the brain. Over time, blood pressure causes that weak spot to balloon outward, forming a bulge. Most aneurysms are small and never cause problems, but if one ruptures, it can lead to bleeding around the brain, known as a subarachnoid hemorrhage—a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Fortunately, Kim’s doctors appear to have caught hers early. Described as “little,” it likely does not pose an immediate risk, but it will require regular monitoring through follow-up scans. Doctors typically track the size and shape of such aneurysms to make sure they don’t grow or become unstable.
Treatment options depend on multiple factors, including the aneurysm’s size, location, and the patient’s overall health. In some cases, procedures such as surgical clipping or endovascular coiling can prevent rupture. For smaller, stable aneurysms like Kim’s, a conservative approach is often taken, focusing on reducing risk factors—especially blood pressure and stress.
The Physical Cost of Fame
While Kim is no stranger to public attention, the episode offered a rare look behind the polished exterior to reveal the pressures that come with her level of fame. As one of the most recognized women in the world, she manages multiple businesses, a massive social media presence, and a highly scrutinized personal life. It’s no surprise that stress could build up in such an environment.
The reality star has spoken in the past about other serious health challenges, including complications during pregnancy such as placenta accreta, a condition that once put her life at risk. These experiences, combined with her latest diagnosis, paint a picture of someone who has faced more medical adversity than her glamorous image might suggest.
Her decision to share the news publicly may help raise awareness about the dangers of stress and the importance of listening to one’s body. By being open about her diagnosis, Kim highlights that health scares can happen to anyone—regardless of wealth, fame, or status.
Family Reaction and Support
Kourtney Kardashian’s reaction to her sister’s revelation was one of genuine concern. In the episode, she appeared stunned as Kim explained what the doctors had found, visibly shaken by the idea that something so serious could have gone unnoticed. The scene served as a reminder that, despite their fame, the Kardashians are a family first—bound by concern, fear, and care for one another.
Kourtney and Kim’s relationship has been strained at times in recent years, often depicted in previous seasons as tense or competitive. But this health scare seemed to cut through those dynamics, showing the emotional connection that remains between the sisters.
Looking Ahead
Kim’s future health outlook appears stable for now. She has not reported any symptoms related to the aneurysm, and doctors are expected to continue monitoring it regularly. She has also said she plans to focus on reducing stress, managing her psoriasis, and prioritizing her well-being.
Her openness about her diagnosis is already sparking discussion about mental health, stress, and how emotional burdens can manifest physically. For many viewers, it’s a powerful reminder that even the most composed, successful individuals are not immune to the effects of chronic tension and anxiety.
Season seven of The Kardashians may have just begun, but it has already set a deeply personal and reflective tone. As Kim navigates this health challenge, fans are likely to see a different side of her—one that is vulnerable, cautious, and determined to protect both her health and her peace.
In the end, Kim Kardashian’s revelation is more than a dramatic moment for television—it’s a wake-up call about the invisible weight of stress and the importance of taking care of one’s mind and body. Her experience serves as a reminder that behind every headline and photo shoot, there’s a human being facing fears, pressures, and, at times, life-threatening realities.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
