Argentina's President Cristina Kirchner's brain condition explained
- 9 years ago
Originally published on October 9, 2013
NOTE: Description updated to include reports that Kirchner underwent surgery on October 8.
Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner had successful surgery on Tuesday for a brain condition known as a chronic subdural hematoma linked to an accident in August, a government spokesman said.
According to Reuters: "Her condition, diagnosed on Saturday, has nonetheless sidelined the sharp-tongued, two-term leader ahead of a key mid-term election and at the apex of a rancorous court battle with the nation's 'holdout' creditors."
"She is in a very good mood," spokesman Alfredo Scoccimarro said.
This animation explains what a subdural hematoma is and how it may be treated if it requires surgery.
Kirchner suffered trauma to the head on August 12, Scoccimarro said, adding that tests at the time that "showed nothing."
According to Reuters: "On Saturday Fernandez, 60, was told to rest for a month due to her condition but on Monday plans for the surgery were announced after she complained of tingling in her left arm."
Kirchner had been on the campaign trail ahead of congressional elections on October 27.
According to a Reuters report: "Recent polls have indicated the government could lose control of Congress, an outcome that would deprive Fernandez of the chance of introducing a constitutional reform that would allow her to run for a third term in 2015."
The report continues:
Fernandez was admitted for checks earlier on Saturday to a Buenos Aires hospital that specializes in cardiovascular problems.
Doctors found a subdural hematoma, the accumulation of blood under a membrane that covers the brain. It usually occurs after a blow to the head.
Fernandez, president of the South American country since 2007, had her thyroid glands removed last year after she was diagnosed with cancer, although later tests indicated no cancer was present.
Her late husband, former President Nestor Kirchner, died after a heart attack i
NOTE: Description updated to include reports that Kirchner underwent surgery on October 8.
Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner had successful surgery on Tuesday for a brain condition known as a chronic subdural hematoma linked to an accident in August, a government spokesman said.
According to Reuters: "Her condition, diagnosed on Saturday, has nonetheless sidelined the sharp-tongued, two-term leader ahead of a key mid-term election and at the apex of a rancorous court battle with the nation's 'holdout' creditors."
"She is in a very good mood," spokesman Alfredo Scoccimarro said.
This animation explains what a subdural hematoma is and how it may be treated if it requires surgery.
Kirchner suffered trauma to the head on August 12, Scoccimarro said, adding that tests at the time that "showed nothing."
According to Reuters: "On Saturday Fernandez, 60, was told to rest for a month due to her condition but on Monday plans for the surgery were announced after she complained of tingling in her left arm."
Kirchner had been on the campaign trail ahead of congressional elections on October 27.
According to a Reuters report: "Recent polls have indicated the government could lose control of Congress, an outcome that would deprive Fernandez of the chance of introducing a constitutional reform that would allow her to run for a third term in 2015."
The report continues:
Fernandez was admitted for checks earlier on Saturday to a Buenos Aires hospital that specializes in cardiovascular problems.
Doctors found a subdural hematoma, the accumulation of blood under a membrane that covers the brain. It usually occurs after a blow to the head.
Fernandez, president of the South American country since 2007, had her thyroid glands removed last year after she was diagnosed with cancer, although later tests indicated no cancer was present.
Her late husband, former President Nestor Kirchner, died after a heart attack i