Fans tuning into "The Kardashians" got a shocking health update on Thursday, Oct. 23, as Kim Kardashian revealed she was diagnosed with a small brain aneurysm.

Kardashian announced her medical update in a preview clip that aired during the Season 7 premiere of Hulu's "The Kardashians" on Oct. 23. While most brain aneurysms are small and without symptoms, a rupture can prove deadly.

Here's a closer look at the health condition – from the Detroit Free Press, which is a part of the USA TODAY Network – and what this means for the star.

What happened to Kim Kardashian?

Kim Kardashian was diagnosed with a small brain aneurysm, she said in a preview clip during the Oct. 23 Season 7 premiere of Hulu's reality TV series "The Kardashians."

What is a brain aneurysm?

A brain aneurysm is a bulge or weak spot in a blood vessel, typically in or around the brain, the Cleveland Clinic says. While most are small, a ruptured brain aneurysm can be life-threatening.

Who do brain aneurysms most affect?

Brain aneurysms are more common in women than men, and in adults ages 30 to 60, the Mayo Clinic said.

What are common symptoms?

Small brain aneurysms that haven't ruptured don't typically cause symptoms, the Mayo Clinic said. However, you may experience minor symptoms like headaches ahead of a major rupture, the Cleveland Clinic advises.

Ruptured brain aneurysms are a serious condition that cause internal bleeding and require immediate medical treatment.

Here are some common symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic:

  • severe headache
  • nausea and vomiting
  • stiff neck
  • weakness and/or numbness
  • blurred or double vision
  • seizures
  • light sensitivity
  • confusion
  • pain above and behind the eye
  • loss of consciousness
  • drooping eyelid and dilated pupil

How do you treat a brain aneurysm?

A ruptured brain aneurysm needs to be treated immediately, typically with emergency surgery. Call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room if you experience symptoms, the Cleveland Clinic urges. Treatment needs for unruptured brain aneurysms are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and can include monitoring over time.

Does stress cause a brain aneurysm?

Brain aneurysms happen due to your brain's artery walls thinning and weakening, the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic say. A variety of risk factors can contribute to this occurring, including:

  • family history of brain aneurysms
  • smoking
  • certain health conditions
  • substance use, especially cocaine
  • high blood pressure
  • heavy alcohol use

How is a brain aneurysm diagnosed?

A CT scan of the brain is typically the first step in diagnosing an aneurysm or hemorrhage, the University of Michigan Health said.

"If we diagnose an aneurysm, a cerebral angiogram is performed to better understand the aneurysm," U-M said. "During this procedure, dye is injected into your bloodstream and x-rays are taken, which will give our team information on how to best treat your condition."

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Kim Kardashian discloses brain aneurysm diagnosis. What are common signs?

Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press

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