Brandi Glanville's Mysterious Health Journey
Since 2023, Brandi Glanville's life has been upended by a perplexing and debilitating health condition that has visibly disfigured her face. Her struggle, which has been widely documented on social media, has involved frequent hospital visits, significant financial strain, and a rotating cast of doctors offering various, often conflicting, hypotheses. The reality television personality initially attributed her symptoms to stress following legal battles related to her time on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip. However, her journey for a definitive diagnosis has continued to evolve.
The Onset of Symptoms and Initial Theories
Glanville's health problems became public knowledge in July 2023, when she initially attributed her facial swelling to stress-induced angioedema. This condition causes swelling in the deeper layers of the skin and can be triggered by stress. The timing correlated with the aftermath of her dramatic exit from a reality TV show, which she suggested was a major source of her distress. However, over time, the fluctuating nature of her symptoms led her to question this initial diagnosis. In December 2024, she shared a photo of her disfigured face on social media, admitting that despite seeing numerous doctors, she still didn't have a clear answer.
The Parasite Hypothesis
By late 2024, a new theory gained traction, with Glanville suggesting that she had contracted a parasite while filming in Morocco. She recalled that during the trip, food, including meat, was left out for extended periods. She claimed to feel things moving in her face, describing it as a sensation of "tiny bubbles bursting". In a later, concerning social media post, she revealed an ill-advised attempt to treat the suspected parasite with the hair removal cream Nair, which left her with painful burns. The incident highlighted her desperation for a cure and prompted concern from fans.
Seeking Expert Opinions
Desperate for answers, Glanville sought help from various medical professionals. In December 2024, she consulted with plastic surgeon Dr. Terry Dubrow, known from the show Botched. Dr. Dubrow speculated that the issue might be an infectious process caused by bacteria or fungus rather than a parasite and emphasized the need for a definitive diagnosis via biopsy. Glanville had biopsies done, which ruled out cancer, but the definitive culture results took time. In March 2025, she posted a disheartening update, stating that her face felt "worse than ever" and had "literally melted away," revealing ongoing pain, swollen lymph nodes, and acidic drainage.
A New Direction for Treatment
In July and August 2025, Glanville shared more hopeful news, crediting a New York City-based infectious disease and immunology specialist, Dr. Michael Scoma, for helping her get closer to a diagnosis. In an interview, Dr. Scoma offered his theory: a deep, persistent soft tissue infection with bacteria and fungus. This infection could be responsible for the "creepy crawly" sensations Glanville described. The treatment plan involves weeks of intravenous (IV) antibiotics via a PICC line, offering her renewed hope for recovery.
A Comparison of Medical Theories
| Medical Theory | Basis | Supporting Evidence/Expert Opinion | Latest Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stress-Induced Angioedema | Glanville's symptoms appeared after a period of intense stress following a TV show incident. | Mayo Clinic defines angioedema as swelling triggered by stress. | Initial diagnosis, but later deemed incomplete as symptoms persisted and changed. |
| Parasitic Infection | Glanville's personal theory, suggesting she contracted it while filming in Morocco. | Glanville's descriptions of feeling movement in her face. | Disputed by medical experts like Dr. Dubrow and Dr. Scoma. |
| Infectious Process (Bacterial/Fungal) | Professional opinion based on biopsy results and persistent symptoms. | Dr. Dubrow suggested this possibility in late 2024. Dr. Scoma confirmed this theory in August 2025. | Current leading diagnosis, with IV antibiotic treatment underway. |
| Dissolving Face Fillers | Suggestion by some doctors early in her diagnosis search. | Based on prior cosmetic procedures. | Glanville denied this, as she had already dissolved all of her fillers. |
The Mental and Financial Toll
Beyond the physical symptoms, Glanville's illness has had a profound impact on her mental health and financial stability. She has spoken candidly about experiencing deep depression, isolation, and financial ruin due to mounting medical bills. The inability to work for prolonged periods while spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on her treatment has left her feeling financially insecure. In a raw interview, she admitted to suicidal thoughts during the darkest periods, crediting her children for keeping her grounded.
A Journey Toward Recovery
With a new medical team and a targeted treatment plan involving IV antibiotics, Glanville has expressed cautious optimism. Her public sharing of her journey has brought attention to her situation, and she has expressed hope that she can soon get back to her life and career. While the path to full recovery may be long, having a clearer diagnosis and a treatment plan provides a much-needed step forward.
For more information on rare infections, visit the CDC website.
Conclusion: A Long Road to a Diagnosis
What illness does Brandi Glanville have? The definitive diagnosis has been a long and arduous process. After initially suspecting stress-induced angioedema and later a parasite, a recent consultation with an infectious disease specialist points toward a deep bacterial and fungal infection. With a new treatment regimen underway, Glanville is finally on a clearer path toward recovery, though her journey highlights the struggles and mental toll associated with chronic, hard-to-diagnose conditions. Her public battle has shone a light on the financial and emotional challenges that can accompany a prolonged health crisis.
