Salman Khan battles 'suicide disease' and 2 deadly brain conditions; What these 3 disorders are and what doctors say
What is trigeminal neuralgia?
What is a brain aneurysm and AVM?
Live Events
Can these conditions be related?
Treatment options for Salman Khan's conditions
Microvascular decompression: A surgery to reduce pressure on the trigeminal nerve.
Gamma knife therapy: A non-invasive procedure that uses focused radiation, though it takes time to work.
Neuro-intervention or brain surgery: These may be used for aneurysms and AVMs, depending on size and location.
Daily challenges and the road ahead
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In a recent episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show , Bollywood superstar Salman Khan shared a personal and painful truth that left many viewers stunned. Behind his cheerful smile and powerful on-screen presence, the 59-year-old actor is quietly fighting three serious medical conditions: trigeminal neuralgia (TN), brain aneurysm , and arteriovenous malformation (AVM).Salman revealed that he had surgery in Los Angeles in 2011 for trigeminal neuralgia, a condition often called 'the suicide disease' because of how painful it is. It causes sudden, sharp, electric shock-like pain on one side of the face, usually around the eyes, jaw or mouth. Even light wind, cold water, or touching the face can trigger an attack. While it is not fatal, TN can deeply affect a person's mental and emotional health due to the severe pain.A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain that bulges out. It can burst suddenly, leading to life-threatening bleeding in the brain.An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a rare condition where the blood vessels are tangled and abnormal. These vessels skip the usual flow pattern of blood between arteries and veins, increasing the risk of bleeding in the brain.Doctors explain that both these conditions are dangerous and, if untreated, can cause strokes, loss of movement, or even death. Some symptoms include severe headaches, limb weakness, or sudden unconsciousness.While TN, aneurysms, and AVMs are different in nature, doctors say that sometimes they can affect each other. For example, an AVM or aneurysm near the trigeminal nerve might worsen TN symptoms. Some experts believe that vascular issues in the brain can lead to the development of more than one of these conditions.Dr Sandhya Koche noted that such a combination is rare but possible, especially in people with high blood pressure, inherited disorders, or a history of head injuries. She said treating such patients is complicated and requires multiple scans, tests, and coordination between different doctors.According to doctors, there are a few treatment options:Some cases may require more than one kind of treatment, and the success rate depends on how early the condition is found and how well the patient responds.Doctors stress the importance of regular check-ups, following prescribed medicines, avoiding stress, and leading a healthy lifestyle. Smoking and high blood pressure can worsen these conditions.Despite living with such serious health issues, Salman Khan continues to perform in action films and stay active. His courage and willpower show that his fight is not just to stay in the limelight, but simply to live fully, and that makes his journey all the more inspiring.Inputs from TOI
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