Salman Khan says he battles 3 neurological disorders: How do they impact your body? Who is at risk?
For long, actor Salman Khan has been known to battle trigeminal neuralgia, where a nerve that carries signals from the face to the brain malfunctions and is compressed, causing intense and stabbing pain on the face. Even light touch from brushing your teeth or putting on makeup may trigger pain equivalent to an electric shock. He even had a surgery in 2011 to relieve pressure on this nerve. But in the latest season of The Great Indian Kapil show on Netflix, he admitted to fighting two other neurological conditions.
'I'm working despite having trigeminal neuralgia, there's an aneurysm in the brain, yet I'm still working. There's also an AV malformation (AVM), and still, I'm carrying on,' Khan told Sharma.
'Both are neurological conditions that can co-exist. Though both may not always be life-threatening, if they rupture, they can cause complications like haemorrhage. These conditions usually are seen in those over 50. Brain AVMs are common in men, brain aneurysms in women,' says Dr Sonal Gupta, Director & HOD, Neurosurgery, Fortis, New Delhi
What is AV malformation?
An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels that disrupts normal blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues. In an AVM, arteries connect directly to veins, bypassing the capillaries that normally regulate blood flow and deliver oxygen to cells. So, there is a sudden gush of blood flow in people with AVM, which puts pressure on the vessels, causing them to bulge and weaken over time.
Most people with AVMs are asymptomatic. If symptoms have not appeared by they are 50, they may never appear. Nearly 12 per cent of patients have some symptoms.
This is a congenital condition. Although present at birth, an AVM may be found soon after birth or much later in life, depending on its size and location.
What is an aneurysm?
An aneurysm is a weak or expanded part of an artery, like a bulge in a balloon. It is localised and can be caused by factors like high blood pressure, atherosclerosis or genetic predisposition. An aneurysm can form in any of the arteries in your body, be it the heart, brain, abdomen or legs. Most brain aneurysms develop in adulthood. The vast majority of brain aneurysms don't rupture.
Are aneurysms and AVMs linked?
If both occur in the brain, then there is a close association. Some studies show the incidence of aneurysms associated with AVMs to be 58 per cent.
What are symptoms of AVMs and aneurysms?
AVM patients complain of an ear buzz, headache, backache, seizures, muscle weakness, facial paralysis, speech and motor problems and loss of consciousness. When complicated, there is a risk of stroke and haemorrhage. Aneurysms make you feel light-headed with a rapid heartbeat. There is a sudden, severe pain in your head, chest, abdomen or back, confusion, nausea and vomitting. If an aneurysm ruptures, it causes internal bleeding, which is serious.
What are risk factors of both conditions?
High cholesterol and high blood pressure.
What are treatments?
Now there are minimally invasive surgeries like threading a catheter through blood vessels to reach the AVM. Radio surgery or focussed radiation can shrink AVM. For aneurysm, soft platinum coils are deployed via a catheter to prevent rupture. Aneurysm less than 4 mm can be kept under close monitoring. Minimally invasive surgery is advised only if it increases in size.
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Salman Khan says he battles 3 neurological disorders: How do they impact your body? Who is at risk?
For long, actor Salman Khan has been known to battle trigeminal neuralgia, where a nerve that carries signals from the face to the brain malfunctions and is compressed, causing intense and stabbing pain on the face. Even light touch from brushing your teeth or putting on makeup may trigger pain equivalent to an electric shock. He even had a surgery in 2011 to relieve pressure on this nerve. But in the latest season of The Great Indian Kapil show on Netflix, he admitted to fighting two other neurological conditions. 'I'm working despite having trigeminal neuralgia, there's an aneurysm in the brain, yet I'm still working. There's also an AV malformation (AVM), and still, I'm carrying on,' Khan told Sharma. 'Both are neurological conditions that can co-exist. Though both may not always be life-threatening, if they rupture, they can cause complications like haemorrhage. These conditions usually are seen in those over 50. Brain AVMs are common in men, brain aneurysms in women,' says Dr Sonal Gupta, Director & HOD, Neurosurgery, Fortis, New Delhi What is AV malformation? An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels that disrupts normal blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues. In an AVM, arteries connect directly to veins, bypassing the capillaries that normally regulate blood flow and deliver oxygen to cells. So, there is a sudden gush of blood flow in people with AVM, which puts pressure on the vessels, causing them to bulge and weaken over time. Most people with AVMs are asymptomatic. If symptoms have not appeared by they are 50, they may never appear. Nearly 12 per cent of patients have some symptoms. This is a congenital condition. Although present at birth, an AVM may be found soon after birth or much later in life, depending on its size and location. What is an aneurysm? An aneurysm is a weak or expanded part of an artery, like a bulge in a balloon. It is localised and can be caused by factors like high blood pressure, atherosclerosis or genetic predisposition. An aneurysm can form in any of the arteries in your body, be it the heart, brain, abdomen or legs. Most brain aneurysms develop in adulthood. The vast majority of brain aneurysms don't rupture. Are aneurysms and AVMs linked? If both occur in the brain, then there is a close association. Some studies show the incidence of aneurysms associated with AVMs to be 58 per cent. What are symptoms of AVMs and aneurysms? AVM patients complain of an ear buzz, headache, backache, seizures, muscle weakness, facial paralysis, speech and motor problems and loss of consciousness. When complicated, there is a risk of stroke and haemorrhage. Aneurysms make you feel light-headed with a rapid heartbeat. There is a sudden, severe pain in your head, chest, abdomen or back, confusion, nausea and vomitting. If an aneurysm ruptures, it causes internal bleeding, which is serious. What are risk factors of both conditions? High cholesterol and high blood pressure. What are treatments? Now there are minimally invasive surgeries like threading a catheter through blood vessels to reach the AVM. Radio surgery or focussed radiation can shrink AVM. For aneurysm, soft platinum coils are deployed via a catheter to prevent rupture. Aneurysm less than 4 mm can be kept under close monitoring. Minimally invasive surgery is advised only if it increases in size.
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Salman Khan reveals struggle with AVM and brain aneurysm on Kapil Sharma Show: Know what AVM is, its causes, and why it's so serious When Salman Khan appeared on Netflix's The Great Indian Kapil Show, viewers expected light-hearted banter, career anecdotes, and a touch of nostalgia. What they didn't expect was the Bollywood superstar revealing a list of serious and complex health conditions he quietly battles, while still headlining films and performing high-energy action scenes. At 59, Khan shared that he suffers from trigeminal neuralgia, a brain aneurysm, and arteriovenous malformation (AVM), among other injuries and ailments, including broken ribs. This candid disclosure came after months of speculation about his health, especially after a viral clip from early 2024 showed him looking unusually fatigued at a public event. On the show, Khan didn't shy away from listing his conditions. 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According to the Mayo Clinic and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke [NINDS], this disrupts the typical blood circulation and oxygen exchange in tissues, especially when the AVM occurs in the brain or spinal cord. In a healthy system, arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to body tissues, and veins return oxygen-depleted blood back to the lungs and heart. Capillaries serve as the critical link between the two, allowing oxygen and nutrients to be delivered. But in an AVM, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders, this middle step is missing. As a result, blood bypasses the tissues that need it, leading to oxygen starvation and, over time, damage or even death of nerve cells. How common is AVM and where does it occur? AVMs are rare and most often congenital, meaning people are born with them, though they may not present symptoms until much later in life. The condition is most commonly found in the brain and spinal cord, but AVMs can occur anywhere in the body. In many cases, AVMs go unnoticed. They're often discovered incidentally, during treatment for another issue or even at autopsy. However, when symptoms do occur, they can be sudden, severe, and potentially life-threatening. What are AVM key symptoms While some people with AVM remain symptom-free for years, others may experience a range of signs depending on the size and location of the malformation. According to the Mayo Clinic and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke [NINDS], common symptoms include: Seizures (focal or generalised) Chronic or severe headaches (sometimes migraine-like) Vision problems (especially if the AVM is near the optic pathways) Muscle weakness or paralysis Numbness or abnormal sensations Difficulty speaking or understanding speech (aphasia) Memory issues, confusion, or even hallucinations Impaired coordination or walking Fainting or dizziness Cognitive decline or executive function difficulty In severe cases, especially when an AVM ruptures, it can cause intracranial haemorrhage, leading to stroke, long-term brain damage, or death (NINDS). Why AVMs are dangerous According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the biggest risk with AVMs is bleeding. Because the malformed vessels have abnormally thin and weak walls, they are prone to rupture under high pressure. Over time, repeated microbleeds can lead to cumulative brain damage and increase the risk of dementia. If a rupture is massive, the result can be a hemorrhagic stroke, which can cause instant, irreversible damage. This is why AVMs that have bled once are more likely to bleed again, particularly within the first year. Another concern is that large AVMs can compress nearby brain structures, leading to hydrocephalus (fluid buildup), increased intracranial pressure, or additional neurological complications. How AVMs are diagnosed AVMs are usually detected using imaging technologies such as: Cerebral angiography – the gold standard for visualising AVMs (Mayo Clinic) MRI and MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography) – useful for mapping brain tissues and blood flow CT scan – effective in spotting bleeding Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound – measures blood flow velocity, helpful for diagnosis (NINDS) In some cases, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a distinct rhythmic "whooshing" sound known as a bruit caused by high-speed blood flow may alert clinicians to an AVM, especially when heard near the skull. AVM treatment options Treatment depends on several factors: the size and location of the AVM, whether it has bled before, and the patient's general health. According to the Mayo Clinic and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke [NINDS], options include: Conventional surgery – surgical removal of the AVM Endovascular embolisation – a catheter-based technique to block blood flow to the AVM using glue-like substances or coils Radiosurgery – non-invasive treatment using focused radiation beams to shrink or close the AVM over time E ach of these comes with risks, particularly for AVMs located deep within the brain. The decision to operate or monitor is typically made on a case-by-case basis. What triggers AVM symptoms ? Interestingly, pregnancy and elevated blood pressure are two conditions that can increase AVM-related risks, including bleeding, as per the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke [NINDS]. Similarly, as in Khan's case, ageing can complicate how these vascular conditions interact. Public awareness: Why Salman Khan's disclosure on AVM matters? For millions of fans who idolise Salman Khan, his health revelation is a wake-up call. AVMs are often invisible until they're catastrophic. By speaking openly, Khan has brought attention to a condition that is poorly understood and rarely discussed. It also raises important questions about mental health, career pressure, and the culture of silent suffering, especially among public figures who are expected to always appear strong and invincible. Living with AVM: Can it be managed? Yes. With early diagnosis and appropriate care, many people with AVM can live relatively normal lives. However, if the malformation bleeds or causes seizures, the stakes become much higher. Regular monitoring and neurological evaluations are key. Some patients choose a watchful waiting approach, especially when the AVM is small and symptom-free. But for others, especially those with a history of bleeding, aggressive intervention is often recommended. 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