Former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Brandi Glanville has confirmed she has finally received a long-awaited medical diagnosis for a severe health condition that has caused significant facial disfigurement and led to profound personal and financial strain.
A Lengthy and Costly Medical Ordeal
Speaking to TMZ, the 53-year-old reality television personality and former model stated she received the diagnosis just a few days ago and plans to share the details publicly soon. "I have a long road ahead of me to get fully better, but I finally have an answer, so I’m just thrilled," Glanville said. Her relief follows years of uncertainty during which she candidly documented her deteriorating condition on social media, including sharing photos of biopsies and the physical changes to her face.
The health journey has taken a devastating toll. Glanville revealed to Us Weekly in August that she has "exhausted" her entire savings trying to find treatment, estimating she has spent at least $130,000 on medical bills over the past two and a half years. "I’m paying the minimum on my credit cards," she admitted, expressing fear and a sense of failure. "At my age, I feel like such a loser in a way, because I was taking care of everything. I was together. I had great credit. Now I’m scared about every little thing."
The Physical and Psychological Impact
The condition has been debilitating, both physically and mentally. In April, Glanville was rushed to hospital after being unable to move her head and neck for four hours, requiring an ambulance. She has described disturbing sensations in her skin, like "tiny bubbles bursting," and noted that touching the affected areas worsens the symptoms. The illness has also led to the loss of five teeth.
Psychologically, the experience has transformed her. "It’s been hell. I’ve turned into an introvert," Glanville told TMZ. "Leaving my house, I get the worst anxiety because I’ve been in my house for two years." This self-imposed isolation underscores the severe impact the visible disfigurement has had on her daily life and confidence.
The Search for Answers
Glanville's path to a diagnosis has been complex. Initially, doctors suspected a parasite in her face. In January 2025, she sought the expertise of Botched co-host Dr. Terry Dubrow. After review, Dr. Dubrow suggested her issues might stem from an infectious process, a foreign body reaction to a previous injection, or a bacterial infection.
Glanville herself had previously theorised that she may have been infected by an undiscovered species of human ectoparasite while filming Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip in Morocco in 2022. The recent confirmation of a diagnosis, however, marks the first concrete step towards a definitive treatment plan after years of speculation and suffering.
While the specific nature of the diagnosis remains private for now, Glanville's announcement brings a close to one chapter of uncertainty and opens another focused on recovery, albeit a challenging and expensive one ahead.
