General Hospital Star Opens Up About Scary Brain Aneurysm Diagnosis — Kirsten Storms Shares Emotional Health Update

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Today, we’re diving into a deeply personal and emotional revelation from a beloved General Hospital star. Kirsten Storms, known to millions for her role as the feisty, fashionable, and fiercely loyal Maxie Jones, has opened up about a frightening medical journey that has changed every corner of her life over the past year.

This is the first time Storms is publicly detailing the events that led her to step away from Los Angeles, take a break from General Hospital, and reprioritize her life. Her candid Instagram post shared on October 13 gives fans a raw, unfiltered look into her private battle with a brain aneurysm—one she had unknowingly been living with until earlier this year.

A Routine Brain Scan Turns Into a Life-Changing Discovery

According to Storms, everything shifted in January, when she underwent a brain scan prompted by troubling symptoms that had concerned her doctors. Storms has had a history of intermittent brain cysts, but this time, the news was different—and far more serious.

Doctors discovered an aneurysm on the right side of her brain, immediately prompting a deeper investigation. Within days, she underwent a procedure in which surgeons inserted a camera to closely evaluate the aneurysm’s structure and risk level.

The situation, as Storms explained, was “slightly complex—not bad, just not typical.” Because of its unusual configuration, the medical team was unable to coil it during that initial procedure. Coiling, a common aneurysm treatment, involves a thin wire being placed inside the aneurysm to seal it off from the artery—something the Mayo Clinic describes as a minimally invasive but highly effective technique.

Although the first attempt wasn’t possible, Storms continued to film at General Hospital for several months as doctors monitored her condition. She eventually stepped away from her role—and her longtime life in Los Angeles—to prepare for the next phase of treatment.

Her coiling procedure is now scheduled within the next couple of weeks, and the actress admits she is both anxious and optimistic.

A Lifeline of Support: Emmy Rylan Steps In

While preparing for surgery, Storms made a significant life change. She moved from Los Angeles and has been staying with her best friend—and former General Hospital co-star—Emme Rylan in St. Louis, Missouri.

Rylan, who famously portrayed Lulu Spencer, has been by Storms’ side through multiple health battles throughout the years. Storms shared that when this new aneurysm was discovered, there was never a moment where Rylan wasn’t ready to step up—distance and state lines be damned.

Their friendship, beloved by fans, has now taken on even deeper meaning as the two navigate challenging days together. From medical appointments to emotional support and quiet moments of crafting therapy, Rylan has become Storms’ anchor through this storm.

A New Cyst and a Major Life Reset

The January scan didn’t only reveal the aneurysm. Doctors also found a small cyst on her brain stem, which Storms referred to as a “squatter.” Though small, its presence was another wake-up call.

“It was clear I needed to change some things in my life ASAP,” Storms wrote.

Reducing stress became her doctor’s top priority. Storms shared that for deeply personal reasons, remaining in Los Angeles was no longer healthy for her. Her mental and emotional well-being, as well as her physical health, all pointed her toward making a major move. She also felt the change would greatly benefit her daughter, Harper, creating a calmer and safer environment for both of them.

As rumors swirled online about her hospital stay—including a hurtful false claim that she had attempted to take her own life—Storms decided enough was enough. The misunderstanding devastated her.

“I couldn’t understand why someone would make up something that terrible when they had no idea why I was really there,” she wrote.

The actress chose to share her truth now, in part, to reclaim her narrative and shut down speculation.

Crochet Therapy, Creativity, and a New Beginning

While she awaits her upcoming coiling procedure, Storms and Rylan have been finding comfort in their longtime shared hobby: crocheting.

Fans know knitting and crochet have always been Storms’ creative escape, but this time, the craft has taken on an even deeper therapeutic purpose. And now, something new and exciting has come out of it.

Together, Storms and Rylan have officially launched their own handmade sweater collection, a passion project that blends their artistic talents and healing journey. It’s a bright spot in an otherwise challenging year—and fans are already showing their support.

A Brave Journey With More Ahead

Kirsten Storms’ openness about her diagnosis and her courageous confrontation of fear, uncertainty, and life-altering decisions has only deepened the admiration fans feel for her. As she faces her upcoming surgery, she’s surrounded by love, support, and a community rooting for her recovery.

We will keep you updated every step of the way as Storms continues through this chapter of her health journey and—hopefully—toward a complete recovery.

Stay tuned, stay subscribed, and send your thoughts and well-wishes to Kirsten during this difficult but hopeful time.