Originally published on October 9, 2013<br /><br />NOTE: Description updated to include reports that Kirchner underwent surgery on October 8.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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."<br /><br />"She is in a very good mood," spokesman Alfredo Scoccimarro said.<br /><br />This animation explains what a subdural hematoma is and how it may be treated if it requires surgery.<br /><br />Kirchner suffered trauma to the head on August 12, Scoccimarro said, adding that tests at the time that "showed nothing."<br /><br />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."<br /><br />Kirchner had been on the campaign trail ahead of congressional elections on October 27. <br /><br />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."<br /><br />The report continues:<br /><br />Fernandez was admitted for checks earlier on Saturday to a Buenos Aires hospital that specializes in cardiovascular problems.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />Her late husband, former President Nestor Kirchner, died after a heart attack in 2010.
