Salman Khan’s rare brain condition: UAE doctors warn against ignoring headaches

Dubai: After Bollywood actor Salman Khan revealed that he’s battling a rare brain condition, UAE doctors are urging community members to pay closer attention to persistent or unusual headaches, which could be early warning signs of serious neurological disorders.

The 59-year-old popular actor reportedly suffers from trigeminal neuralgia, a chronic pain condition, and has experienced complications linked to brain aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) – all of which can be potentially life-threatening if left undiagnosed.

These conditions may be rare, but UAE neurologists say they are very real and treatable, especially if detected early.

Symptoms, early warning signs

Dr Asma Mushtaque, Specialist Neurologist at Burjeel Medical Center, Abu Dhabi’s Al Shamkha, explained that a brain aneurysm is a ballooning or weakening of a blood vessel wall in the brain. While many aneurysms go unnoticed, a rupture can be catastrophic causing a sudden, severe headache, nausea, vision disturbances or loss of consciousness.

Similarly, trigeminal neuralgia is a nerve disorder that causes intense, electric shock-like facial pain, typically on one side, often misdiagnosed or dismissed as a dental issue.

AVMs, on the other hand, are abnormal tangles of blood vessels in the brain that disrupt normal blood flow and oxygen delivery. Some AVMs cause no symptoms, but others can lead to headaches, seizures or progressive neurological symptoms like weakness or speech difficulties.

“While they are considered rare globally, they are certainly encountered in clinical practice in the UAE,” Dr Asma noted.

‘These aren’t just headaches’

“Most headaches are benign, but certain warning signs should never be ignored,” said Dr Asma. “A sudden, severe headache described as the worst of one’s life could point to a ruptured aneurysm and needs emergency evaluation. Sharp, electric-shock-like facial pain triggered by light touch or movement, especially if it keeps recurring on the same side of the face, could signal trigeminal neuralgia. Similarly, new-onset seizures or neurological symptoms such as vision problems, numbness, or limb weakness could point to a vascular issue like an AVM.”

Early diagnosis is key

Global studies estimate that trigeminal neuralgia affects approximately 4 to 5 people per 100,000 each year. Brain aneurysms are present in 2 to 5 per cent of the population, though many go undiagnosed. AVMs are even rarer, affecting around 1 in 100,000 people annually.

“Here in the UAE, the availability of advanced imaging tools, such as MRI and CT angiography, enables us to diagnose these conditions earlier, even before complications develop,” Dr Asma said.

‘Many people don’t even know they have it’

According to Dr Vinay Kumar Gurumath, Specialist Neurosurgeon at Aster Hospital, Qusais and Muhaisnah, many individuals live with brain aneurysms unknowingly.

“Most of the brain aneurysms are asymptomatic. However, untreated ruptured aneurysms can cause internal bleeding and may be life-threatening,” he said.

“When an aneurysm bursts open, one may feel sudden severe pain in the head, neck stiffness, stroke with weakness in limbs followed by drowsiness or loss of consciousness.”

Dr Kumar noted that aneurysms are more likely in individuals with high blood pressure, atherosclerosis or those suffering injury to blood vessels.

‘Early signs matter more than you think’

Despite their severity, both doctors stress that most of these conditions are manageable with timely intervention.

“For trigeminal neuralgia, medication is often the first step,” said Dr Asma. “If that fails, surgical procedures like Gamma Knife radiosurgery or microvascular decompression can be highly effective.”

Treatment for aneurysms may involve endovascular coiling, surgical clipping, or catheter-based embolisation, depending on the case. For AVMs, treatment varies from stereotactic radiosurgery to microsurgical removal, depending on size and location.

A wake-up call for the public

Salman Khan’s openness has helped shine a light on often-overlooked neurological conditions, doctors said.

“When a celebrity talks about such conditions, it raises awareness and encourages others to take symptoms seriously,” said Dr Asma.

“Anyone experiencing unusual or persistent headaches, sharp facial pain, or neurological symptoms should seek medical attention. Don’t dismiss symptoms as stress or fatigue. Early diagnosis, proper imaging and timely intervention can prevent life-threatening complications,” Dr Asma underlined, noting that with greater awareness and prompt medical attention, lives can be saved and suffering reduced.