General Hospital’s Kirsten Storms Shares Surgery Update and Explains Reason Behind Hiatus

General Hospital star Kirsten Storms has opened up to fans with an important health update and new details about why she stepped away from the long-running ABC soap earlier this year. The actress, who has portrayed Maxie Jones since 2005, began her hiatus over the summer after relocating from Los Angeles to Nashville. Now, she’s revealing the medical issues behind her decision—and what comes next.

A New Health Discovery After Past Brain Surgery

Storms previously underwent major brain surgery in 2021 to remove a large cyst that had split into two. Although the operation was successful, her neurosurgeon intentionally left a smaller cyst in place to monitor over time.

During a scheduled scan this past January—prompted by concerning symptoms that doctors suspected could be brain-related—Storms received unexpected news. While checking the existing cyst, doctors discovered a brain aneurysm on the right side of her brain.

“I had symptoms that the doctors thought could have been brain related,” Storms shared. “I was shocked when they told me they found an aneurysm.”

Within days, she underwent a diagnostic procedure in which specialists threaded a camera from her leg up to her brain.

“It’s a routine procedure,” she explained, “but the path inside your body that they lead the camera through is insane. The camera goes through your armpit, guys. Your armpit.”

Although the aneurysm was not considered immediately dangerous, it required further treatment.

Surgery Scheduled: A Coiling Procedure in the Coming Weeks

Storms revealed that she is now scheduled to undergo a surgical coiling procedure within the next two weeks. This minimally invasive surgery is used to treat aneurysms and prevent future complications.

After her January hospitalization, she returned to General Hospital, completed several months of work, then began her hiatus and officially left California.

The Real Reason Behind Her Move to Nashville

For the first time publicly, Storms confirmed that her medical situation played a major role in her decision to move across the country.

“Aneurysms can obviously be caused by stress,” she wrote, adding that she believes brain cysts can be linked to stress as well. Her scan also revealed “a very small squatter”—a new cyst on her brain stem—which made lifestyle change essential.

Leaving Los Angeles, she said, was crucial for her physical health, mental health, and overall happiness.

Still, the biggest factor of all was her daughter, Harper. Moving away from the pressures of LA allowed Storms to focus more fully on her well-being and her role as a mother.

Addressing Hurtful Rumors

Storms also took a moment to reflect on a painful moment following her January hospitalization. Shortly after she was discharged, a blog posted an article claiming she had been hospitalized after attempting to harm herself.

“I couldn’t understand why a person would make up something that terrible when they had no idea why I was really there,” she wrote. “There are a few really bad apples out there… but there are people in my life who I am truly thankful to know.”

Gratitude, Creativity, and Support

The actress expressed heartfelt appreciation for her best friend, Emmy, who has stayed by her side through every step of her health journey. The two have even begun creating a line of crocheted sweaters together during Storms’ recovery and time away from the show.

Despite the challenges, Storms’ message to fans was one of resilience, gratitude, and optimism as she prepares for her upcoming procedure.