RHOC’s Emily Simpson Confirms Son Luke, 10, Underwent Laser Brain Procedure (Exclusive)

Emily Simpson is offering fans an update amid son Luke’s health journey, in which he underwent a laser brain procedure.

“He did [undergo his procedure],” Simpson, 49, exclusively told Us Weekly on Saturday, November 15, while attending BravoCon 2025 in Las Vegas. “I didn’t see a lot of a difference, so we’re still investigating other things and working with a specialist, and we’re going to try some different things.”

Emily — who shares son Luke, 10, with husband Shane Simpson — explained that the purpose of the laser is “to reduce the swelling in the brain.” (The couple are also parents to Annabelle, 12, and Keller, 10.)

“It needs to be ongoing,” Emily noted of her son’s treatment. “He’s done a couple rounds, which hasn’t made that big of a difference. So the question is, do we continue forward, or do we try something different?”

Through it all, Emily shared that she’s been receiving unwavering support from moms across the country.

“The moms out there are incredible,” Emily said. “I get so many DMS with recommendations and stories and so thank you to the moms.”

Emily shared earlier this month that Luke would be undergoing the procedure after he was diagnosed with pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders. (The Cleveland Clinic notes that PANDAS is a “group of conditions thought to affect select children who’ve strep infections.”)

“Yeah, so he is going to have a laser treatment on his brain,” Emily told Andy Cohen during the Real Housewives of Orange County reunion earlier this month when asked about a treatment plan, per People.

She continued, “To reduce the swelling in his brain. He asked if the laser would hurt, and I said, ‘No, it won’t hurt.’ So he has to go five days in a row for like three hours, and it’s supposed to reduce the swelling.”

Emily has been candid about her son’s ongoing health issues. In July, The Real Housewives of Orange County premiere revealed that Luke was diagnosed with avoidant restrictive food intake disorder. (The Mayo Clinic defines ARFID as an eating disorder which is common among children and young adolescents, with extreme picky eating and a general lack of interest in eating that gets worse over time.)

“Luke has always been a picky eater, but it’s gotten to the point over the last year where he just doesn’t eat at all,” Emily shared in a confessional at the time. “He doesn’t eat anything but he’s starving. I’m worried that he’s not getting the nutrition that he needs. I’m worried that he’s the weird kid at school that doesn’t eat, and everybody’s going to make fun of him. I want my child to be happy. That’s it.”

During an October episode of the Bravo series, Emily explained that a specialist has been aiding the family with tools and guidance for Luke.

“Luke’s diagnosis was very complicated. He has anxiety and ADHD and OCD and he has a learning disability and he has dyslexia and he needs all these things,” she said in a confessional at the time. “He’s highly intelligent in certain areas, but he’s in the 4th grade and I didn’t know he could read? I mean, how sad is that?”

The Real Housewives of Orange County airs on Bravo Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET. Stream past episodes anytime on Peacock.