Salman Khan has such a nerve problem that he is walking around groaning in pain

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Salman Khan’s Silent Struggle: Battling Trigeminal Neuralgia, Brain Aneurysm, and AVM at 59

Mumbai, June 24, 2025 — Bollywood superstar Salman Khan surprised millions when he appeared on The Kapil Sharma Show on June 21 and revealed that, despite his iron-man image and decades of high-octane action roles, he is quietly contending with three serious neurological conditions: trigeminal neuralgia, a brain aneurysm, and an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). At 59, the actor—celebrated for his chiseled physique, gravity-defying stunts, and boundless energy—confessed that “just because someone looks fit on the outside does not guarantee inner fitness,” and acknowledged the universal truth that health challenges spare neither the rich nor the famous.

Over the course of this in-depth report, we explore each of Salman Khan’s diagnoses, trace the timeline of his treatments, assess the impact on his personal and professional life, examine the broader implications for Bollywood’s safety culture, and consider expert advice on managing these complex disorders.

A Candid Confession on National Television

In a segment of The Kapil Sharma Show that has since gone viral, Kapil Sharma asked Salman about his remarkable fitness at an age when most peers slow down. Salman paused before responding:

“For years, my body has been under constant strain—bones crack, ribs fracture. I’ve been performing action choreography, high dives, and fight sequences without letting anyone see the pain. But I’ve learned that appearing fit externally doesn’t mean the inside is equally strong.”

He went on to list his medical battles:

Trigeminal Neuralgia: Facial nerve inflammation causing excruciating pain
Brain Aneurysm: A weakened arterial wall in the brain that bulges under pressure
Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): An abnormal tangle of blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord

Salman admitted that walking and even standing can be difficult on some days, and that he has been managing these conditions for over a decade—but never before shared them so openly.

Understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia: “The Electric Shock Pain”

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), often called the “suicide disease,” is a chronic pain disorder that affects the trigeminal nerve—the fifth cranial nerve responsible for facial sensation. Key features include:

Sudden, severe, electric-shock-like pain in one side of the face
Pain triggered by mild touch, wind, chewing, or even speaking
Episodes lasting seconds to minutes, but recurring dozens of times daily
Significant impact on quality of life: eating, smiling, and basic social interactions become torturous

Salman first experienced symptoms around 2011, while shooting dance sequences for Bodyguard. In interviews at the time, he described episodes so agonizing that even sipping cold water would trigger debilitating jolts of pain. Initially, he underwent medication with carbamazepine and gabapentin, nerve-block injections, and facial muscle therapy. When these measures became insufficient, he flew to the United States for microvascular decompression (MVD)—a surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the nerve by repositioning offending blood vessels. Although the surgery brought relief, the condition is known to recur, and Salman confirmed he still endures intermittent flare-ups.

The Looming Danger of a Brain Aneurysm

While TN attacks the facial nerves, a brain aneurysm is a hidden time bomb inside the skull. An aneurysm occurs when a weakened portion of an artery wall bulges outward, forming a sac that can:

Rupture, causing hemorrhagic stroke and potentially fatal bleeding
Leak slowly, leading to headaches, nausea, and neurological deficits
Remain asymptomatic until a critical size is reached

Routine health screenings in 2019 uncovered a small, saccular aneurysm in Salman’s cerebral circulation. Medical advisors recommended strict blood-pressure control, regular MRI/MRA monitoring, and lifestyle modifications—avoiding heavy lifting, abrupt exertion, and extreme stress. As of now, the aneurysm measures below the 7 mm threshold that typically necessitates clipping or coiling, but the risk of rupture remains a persistent concern. Salman admitted that every time he vaults from a rooftop or engages in a high-impact stunt, he feels “a voice in my head” reminding him of the aneurysm.

AVM: The Third Unseen Adversary

The third condition Salman disclosed is an arteriovenous malformation (AVM)—an irregular tangle of arteries and veins that disrupts the normal capillary network. AVMs can lead to:

Intracranial hemorrhage when fragile vessels burst
Seizures and headaches from abnormal blood flow
Neurological impairments such as limb weakness or speech difficulties

Salman’s AVM was diagnosed in 2022 during a follow-up for TN. Although initially asymptomatic, he began noticing intermittent headaches, dizziness during dance rehearsals, and occasional blurred vision. His treatment regimen includes:

Stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife) to obliterate malformed vessels
Antiepileptic medications as a preventive measure against seizures
Regular neurosurgical evaluations to determine if more invasive surgery becomes necessary

With an annual hemorrhage risk estimated at 2–4%, AVM adds another layer of complexity to Salman’s health management.

Timeline of Salman’s Medical Journey

2007–2010: Onset of facial pain; initial management with medication and nerve blocks
2011: Travels to the U.S. for microvascular decompression surgery; significant relief but not a permanent cure
2017: Publicly references TN pain during promotional interviews for Tubelight
2019: Routine scan detects asymptomatic brain aneurysm; placed under watchful monitoring
2022: AVM diagnosis following neurological evaluation; begins radiosurgery and medication
2025: Official disclosure on television; commences multidisciplinary treatment and stricter on-set protocols

Impact on Work and Lifestyle

Despite grappling with three serious conditions, Salman has not curtailed his professional commitments. In June 2025, he appeared at the promotional event for Aamir Khan’s Sitare Zameen Par, striking his signature pose alongside Aamir and fielding adoring cheers. However, sharp-eyed fans noticed that he seemed more guarded—moving with caution, avoiding sudden head turns, and relying on close aides for support.

Security lapses at that event also raised eyebrows when Aamir’s son, Junaid, was briefly detained by untrained personnel—a situation Salman’s team later helped resolve. Yet, Salman’s more pressing concern remains his own health: “My security team looks after five things—but the toughest battle is protecting my own blood vessels,” he quipped on Kapil’s show.

The production of his upcoming film Final Cut has been restructured to mitigate risks:

On-set neurosurgical standby during action sequences
Modified stunt design with reduced head and facial impact
Controlled shooting blocks with mandatory rest periods
Enhanced physiotherapy: cryotherapy, targeted muscle conditioning, and mindfulness exercises

Industry and Fan Reaction

Salman’s revelation has prompted an outpouring of solidarity:

Fellow stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Ranveer Singh praised his bravery on social media. Shah Rukh tweeted, “Salman’s courage in sharing his health struggles is an inspiration—both as an actor and as a man.”
Directors and producers lauded his commitment to stunts despite medical advice to dial down the action, urging the wider industry to adopt better safety standards.
Fans launched the hashtag #SalmanStrong, posting messages of support and sharing personal stories of their own health battles.

Notably, second-generation actors such as Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt reportedly visited Salman at home to offer emotional support, while Katrina Kaif and Pooja Hegde sent private video messages wishing him a speedy recovery.

Expert Perspectives: Managing Neurological Risks

To contextualize Salman’s conditions, we spoke with two leading specialists:

Dr. Meera Deshpande, Neurosurgeon, Apollo Hospital, Mumbai
“Trigeminal neuralgia, brain aneurysm, and AVM each present significant risks. Balancing high-intensity physical performance with these diagnoses is rare and requires a highly coordinated, multidisciplinary approach. Mr. Khan’s regimen of medication, minimally invasive procedures, and routine imaging is textbook—but absolute vigilance is essential.”
Dr. Arvind Bhaskar, Neurologist, Tata Memorial Centre
“Early disclosure by a public figure like Salman Khan destigmatizes neurological disorders. These conditions often go undiagnosed until catastrophic events occur. His transparency may encourage people to seek timely evaluations and adhere to preventive measures.”

Both doctors stress that lifestyle modifications—stress reduction, blood-pressure control, avoidance of tobacco and excessive alcohol, and regular exercise tailored to individual capacity—are vital for long-term management.

A Catalyst for Change in Bollywood’s Safety Culture

Historically, Bollywood action sequences have been criticized for lax safety protocols, insufficient medical support, and reliance on last-minute stunts. Salman’s disclosure arrives at a pivotal moment, as the Film and Television Producers Guild has convened a task force to draft a Stunt Safety Code. Proposed measures include:

Mandatory on-site medical teams for all high-risk shoots
Certification of stunt coordinators by a recognized authority
Insurance coverage for neurological and orthopedic injuries
Regular safety audits of equipment and set designs

If ratified, these reforms could revolutionize how Bollywood approaches action filmmaking and protect performers from long-term harm.

Advice to Salman and His Fans

Given the incurable nature of trigeminal neuralgia, aneurysms, and AVMs, the focus must remain on symptom management, risk reduction, and mental resilience. Health experts recommend:

Strict adherence to medication schedules and follow-up imaging
Incorporating low-impact exercises: swimming, gentle yoga, and walking
Stress-management techniques: meditation, deep-breathing, and counseling
Nutritional support: a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and lean proteins
Open communication with directors and stunt coordinators about physical limits

For fans, Salman’s journey underscores the importance of regular medical check-ups and listening to one’s body—no matter how strong one appears on the outside.

Conclusion: Redefining Heroism

Salman Khan’s candid revelation of his battle with trigeminal neuralgia, brain aneurysm, and AVM transforms his narrative from mere action hero to real-life warrior. In sharing his vulnerabilities, he extends an invitation to millions to take neurological health seriously, and he sets a new standard for safety in an industry fueled by spectacle.

At 59, Salman stands at the crossroads of legacy and longevity. His message is clear: true strength lies not in invincibility, but in courage, adaptability, and the wisdom to protect one’s own health. As the cameras roll on Final Cut and fans rally behind #SalmanStrong, one thing is certain—this chapter of his life will be remembered not just for triumphant stunts, but for the humanity he displayed by fighting—and revealing—the battles within.

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