Kirsten Storms, the General Hospital star who plays Maxie Jones, revealed that she was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm after a January 2025 scan and will undergo a coiling procedure “sometime in the next two weeks.” The update explains her recent break from General Hospital and follows an earlier brain surgery in 2021 to remove a cyst. Storms is 41 and has relocated from Los Angeles to Nashville to prioritize her health and her 11-year-old daughter, Harper.
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Timeline: From a January 2025 Scan to a Scheduled Coiling Procedure
Storms wrote that she “had a new scan done” in January 2025 because her neurosurgeon was monitoring the cyst left from her 2021 operation. That follow-up scan revealed “an aneurysm on the right side” of her brain. Doctors attempted to treat it during a routine catheter-based check, but “because of the slightly complex situation,” it wasn’t coiled that weekend. The surgical coiling is now scheduled within the next two weeks as a preventative measure to keep the aneurysm from rupturing.
The actress framed the procedure and her time away from the set as temporary. Reports summarize that she intends to return to the series after treatment and recovery.
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What Kirsten Storms Said
- “When I say that I was shocked when the doctors told me they found an aneurysm on the right side of my brain… welp, I basically launched into a standup comedy routine.”
- “I had a procedure done that weekend, where the doctor thread a camera from my leg up to my brain.”
- “Since I knew what an aneurysm was, the scan in January majorly freaked me out.”
- “My brain seems to be sorta lowkey rebelling against me.”
- “We’ve all got times when things aren’t great.”
Why She Relocated — and Who’s in Her Corner
Storms recently moved from Los Angeles to Nashville, citing health, reduced stress, and her daughter Harper’s well-being. She also thanked close friend and former co-star Emme Rylan for support; the two have been crafting together as Storms gets ready for surgery.
She addressed false online rumors surrounding her hospital visits and reiterated that the plan is preventive care with the support of her General Hospital colleagues.
What Is a Coiling Procedure?
Coiling is a minimally invasive technique that feeds a thin coil into the aneurysm via a catheter and blocks blood flow to help prevent rupture. Storms confirmed this is the approach her care team will take.
Cast & Creatives Mentioned (Context for Viewers)
- Kirsten Storms — 41; portrays Maxie Jones on General Hospital (on the show since 2005).
- Emme Rylan — Former General Hospital co-star and friend supporting Storms during her hiatus.
- Harper — Storms’ 11-year-old daughter; named in her update about relocating for family and health reasons.
- Frank Valentini — General Hospital executive producer; discussed Storms’ desire to move in March and supported her step back in June.
How It Affects General Hospital
Storms took a leave of absence from General Hospital in June. She indicated the break is temporary and that she hopes to resume work after treatment and recovery. Coverage notes that production has accommodated her time away, and she signaled an intent to return once cleared.
What to Watch Next for General Hospital and Maxie Jones
With coiling scheduled and a clear plan for recovery, viewers can expect short-term story adjustments around Maxie Jones. Because coiling is minimally invasive, many patients resume normal routines after recovery windows determined by their surgeons. Any on-screen absence will likely mirror that timeline, and future updates from Storms’ Instagram will be the first indicators of a return date.
Bottom Line
The core facts are straightforward: a January 2025 scan revealed a brain aneurysm; Kirsten Storms will undergo a coiling procedure in the next two weeks; she moved from Los Angeles to Nashville to focus on health and family; and she plans to return to General Hospital after recovery. Fans sending well wishes can take comfort in her words: “We’ve all got times when things aren’t great,” a reminder that this pause is about long-term wellness.
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