A doctor who informed Kim Kardashian of her ‘low brain activity’ has explained why this diagnosis is concerning.
If you’re familiar with Keeping Up With the Kardashians, you might recall when Kim was alarmed after being informed she had a brain aneurysm.
Kim shared this unsettling experience in an episode of The Kardashians during a conversation with her sister Kourtney.
The 45-year-old celebrity mentioned she underwent a comprehensive MRI scan, known as a prenuvo scan, and received a call from a doctor who informed her that the aneurysm had been present for years.
Dr. Amen, recognized for his expertise in brain imaging technology, is the physician who made the diagnosis, and he has now clarified the implications of the findings.
In a discussion with Dr. Mike on the The Checkup with Doctor Mike podcast, Dr. Amen explained: “She had sleepy frontal lobes,” referring to the ‘activity’ level of mitochondria in the brain. “She exhibited reduced activity in the front third of her brain, which can impact elements like forethought, judgement, impulse control, and focus.”
Regarding Kim’s ongoing efforts to follow her late father’s legacy by attending law school, Dr. Amen noted that she is preparing for the bar exam and opted for the test to enhance her performance.
Dr. Amen also revealed that he had previously treated Kim’s sister Kendall for ‘post-Covid anxiety’ and Khloe for a ‘traumatic brain injury’ from a car accident.
“They benefited from my work,” he added. “So, when I assessed Kim, it received a lot of attention because the clip showed us discussing her brain with reduced front activity, which is concerning for her.”
Fortunately, Dr. Amen reassured that it isn’t as daunting as it sounds, as the condition is treatable and improvable.
“Treatment can involve medication,” he said. “Supplements are an option. Hyperbaric chamber therapy is another method to try.
“Neurofeedback is another option. Other treatments include TMS and similar stimulating techniques.”
Dr. Amen had earlier told Kim that she had a ‘beautiful’ brain before disclosing the diagnosis.
He also reassured her regarding Alzheimer’s disease, indicating her results showed a low risk, as she was ‘not terribly stressed, anxious, or depressed’.
However, he pointed out ‘holes’ in the brain scan image, indicating ‘low activity’.
He explained: “The frontal area of your brain is less active than it should be. This affects stress management, which is crucial as you’re studying and preparing for the bar exam.”
When questioned by Dr. Mike if he could have suspected Kim’s diagnosis without a brain scan, based on her challenges with the bar exam, he admitted he could have ‘guessed’ but wouldn’t have been certain.
“You can’t identify low blood flow just by speaking with someone,” he concluded.