Kristen Storms Opens Up About Brain Aneurysm Scare, Life Changes, and Her Move to Tennessee
Fans of General Hospital have long admired Kristen Storms not only for her portrayal of Maxie Jones but also for her openness about her personal health battles. On October 7th, Storms took to social media to share a deeply personal update about her ongoing medical journey—an update that was equal parts frightening, raw, and ultimately inspiring. The actress revealed that she recently underwent a series of medical procedures following the discovery of a brain aneurysm, offering fans an honest look into both the physical and emotional toll that came with it.
A Shocking Discovery After Years of Monitoring
Storms began her message with gratitude and reassurance, letting fans know she was fine despite the serious nature of her health update. “In January 2025, I had a new scan done of my brain,” she began, explaining that the scan was part of ongoing monitoring by her neurosurgeon—someone she clearly admires and feels comfortable enough to joke with.
Back in 2021, Storms underwent surgery to remove a brain cyst, a procedure that had raised concerns among her fans at the time. “After my surgery in 2021, my amazing neurosurgeon—who humors the jokes I make during appointments, which is okay because he’s very smart—has been monitoring the cyst that he left on my brain when he removed one that was causing me some problems.”
But when she began experiencing symptoms earlier this year that doctors suspected might be brain-related, they scheduled another scan. The results were alarming.
“When I say that I was shocked when the doctors told me they found an aneurysm on the right side of my brain—well, I basically launched into a stand-up comedy routine,” Storms said, her trademark humor cutting through the fear.
A Procedure with a Shocking Path
Once the aneurysm was discovered, doctors quickly scheduled a procedure to examine it. “I had a procedure done that weekend where the doctor threaded a camera from my leg up to my brain,” she explained. “It’s a routine procedure, but the path inside your body that they lead the camera through is insane. The camera goes through your armpit, guys. Your armpit.”
Storms managed to find levity in a situation that would terrify most. But her relief was short-lived when she discovered a troubling rumor circulating online soon after her hospitalization.
Fighting Back Against a Cruel Rumor
Shortly after being discharged, Storms stumbled upon a disturbing blog post claiming that she had been hospitalized for attempting to take her own life. The actress was understandably horrified. “I couldn’t understand why a person would make up something that terrible when they had no idea why I was really there,” she said.
The experience highlighted the darker side of fame—the way misinformation can spread rapidly and cruelly. Storms handled the situation with remarkable grace, acknowledging that “there are a few really bad apples out there,” while choosing not to engage in hostility or anger.
Returning to General Hospital Amid Recovery
After her medical procedure, Storms returned to work on General Hospital, where her character Maxie briefly exited the canvas by slipping into a coma and leaving California—a storyline that cleverly mirrored the actress’s need for real-life rest.
“There was a slightly complex situation with the aneurysm,” she shared, clarifying that while it wasn’t immediately dangerous, it wasn’t a typical case either. That complexity prevented doctors from coiling it right away.
Storms emphasized the importance of emotional support during such challenging times, expressing gratitude for her close friend and former co-star Emme Rylan (ex-Lulu Spencer). “Emotional support when going through times in life that cause worry is crucial,” she wrote, crediting Rylan for being by her side every step of the way.
The Emotional Aftermath and a Life-Altering Move
In reflecting on what caused her health issues, Storms noted that stress and brain cysts can both play a role in the development of aneurysms. “Aneurysms can be caused by stress, brain cysts—I believe that is possible, too,” she said. Her most recent scan revealed “a new but very small squatter, aka cyst, on my brain stem,” prompting her to make immediate and meaningful changes in her life.
“For my own personal reasons, no longer living in Los Angeles was very important to me,” Storms explained. “The biggest reason for the move to Tennessee was Harper,” referring to her daughter with former husband Brandon Barash, who now resides in Nashville.
But the decision wasn’t just about family—it was also about reclaiming her peace and prioritizing her health. “A lot of it was for my physical and mental health and my overall happiness,” she added.
A Journey of Healing and Resilience
Kristen Storms’ candor about her medical journey and mental well-being is a testament to her strength. Few actors have been as open about their vulnerabilities, especially when faced with such frightening health issues. By choosing to share her experience, she not only sets the record straight about false rumors but also reminds fans of the importance of compassion, balance, and self-care.
As she continues her recovery in Tennessee, surrounded by family and longtime friends, fans can rest assured that Storms remains as strong and resilient as ever. Her future—both personally and professionally—looks bright.
And though Maxie Jones may be off-screen for now, Kristen Storms’ message of hope, humor, and perseverance shines just as powerfully as any storyline on General Hospital.
