
In a shocking revelation, everyone’s Bhaijaan, Salman Khan, said that he is suffering from three serious medical conditions: AV malformation, brain aneurysm, and trigeminal neuralgia.
The 59-year-old actor shared this during a conversation with host Kapil Sharma, when he appeared as the first guest on the new season of The Great Indian Kapil Show on June 21.
Despite these diagnoses, he said he continues doing stunts, filming, and working through them.
But what exactly are these three conditions? Let’s break them down one by one.
Brain Aneurysm
A brain aneurysm happens when a weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain starts to bulge or balloon outward, usually due to pressure from blood flow over time. You can think of it like a balloon being inflated—as more air goes in, the wall stretches and thins. The same can happen to blood vessels.
Most people don’t know they have a brain aneurysm because it usually doesn’t cause any symptoms. Around 1–2% of the population may have one and live with it without ever knowing.
Symptoms typically begin only if the aneurysm ruptures—that is, when the bulging area bursts. This leads to bleeding in the brain, called a haemorrhagic stroke, and is a serious medical emergency.
The most common sign of a ruptured brain aneurysm is a sudden, extremely severe headache often described as the “worst headache of one’s life.”
Only a small number of aneurysms ever rupture, but when they do, they need urgent medical attention. [1]
AV Malformation
An arteriovenous malformation, or AVM, is a condition where blood vessels in the brain become tangled.
Normally, arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the brain, and veins carry oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart. However, in AVM, the arteries and veins are abnormally connected, like tangled wires, which disrupts this normal flow.
Symptoms may include headaches, seizures, or pain in a specific area of the brain. In more serious cases, AVMs can cause weakness, numbness, or even paralysis. [2]
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic condition that causes sudden, severe facial pain, often compared to an electric shock. It affects the trigeminal nerve, which sends sensations from the face to the brain.
Even simple actions like brushing teeth, washing the face, or putting on makeup can trigger intense pain. The condition often starts with mild episodes and worsens over time.
Because of how unbearable the pain can be, it’s sometimes called the “suicide disease.” [3]
Living with These Conditions
In the same interview, Salman Khan also spoke about injuring himself—including breaking ribs—while continuing to perform stunts despite these serious conditions. He said he believes in pushing himself and doesn’t like slowing down.
I'm out here breaking my bones every day—ribs are fractured, 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, and still, I'm carrying on.
Salman Khan
Fans have responded with both concern and admiration, knowing these aren’t minor health issues.
Why It Matters
Salman Khan opening up about his health brings attention to neurological conditions that many people don’t know much about. Disorders like AVM and trigeminal neuralgia are often underdiagnosed or misunderstood.
His story may help others feel less alone and possibly seek medical help earlier.
References:
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Brain Aneurysm.” Mayo Clinic. Published April 26, 2025. Accessed June 23, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brain-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20361483
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Brain AVM (arteriovenous malformation).” Mayo Clinic. Published April 06, 2024. Accessed June 23, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brain-avm/symptoms-causes/syc-20350260
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Trigeminal Neuralgia.” Mayo Clinic. Published December 28, 2023. Accessed June 23, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trigeminal-neuralgia/symptoms-causes/syc-20353344
(Input From Various Sources)
(Rehash/Pooja Bansal/MSM)