It now appears that Senator Tim Johnson of South Dakota had brain surgery last night for an unspecified condition, according to this report from CNN:
WASHINGTON (CNN) — Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota underwent brain surgery early Thursday at George Washington University Hospital after suffering stroke-like symptoms, two Democratic sources familiar with his condition told CNN.
Johnson, 59, was taken to the hospital Wednesday after he appeared to suffer the stroke-like symptoms, although a spokeswoman for the senator said subsequent evaluation showed he did not suffer a stroke or a heart attack.
There was no word early Thursday on the nature of Johnson’s surgery or his condition.
Staffers told CNN that Johnson was conscious when he was transported to the hospital.
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, spent time at the hospital out of concern for Johnson, Reid’s spokesman said.
Our prayers and well wishes go out to the Senator and his family.
Update [2006-12-14 9:32:51 by Steven D]: AP is now reporting that the Senator Johnson had surgery for “bleeding in the brain caused by a congenital arteriovenous malformation” and that the the surgery was successful. His post-operative condition is still listed as critical.
A description of his condition can be found here:
The cause of cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is unknown. The condition occurs when arteries in the brain connect directly to nearby veins without having the normal vessels (capillaries) between them.
Arteriovenous malformations vary in their size and location within the brain.
There are often no symptoms until the AVM ruptures. This results in sudden bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). In more than half of patients with AVM, hemorrhage is the first symptom. Depending on the location and the severity of the bleed, the hemorrhage can be very disabling or even deadly.
Symptoms of an AVM rupture are similar to a stroke, and occur because of a lack of blood flow to the brain. Symptoms may also occur when large AVMs press on the brain tissue, which can cause nerve damage and blood flow problems.
Cerebral arteriovenous malformations occur in less than 1% of people. Although the condition is present at birth, symptoms may occur at any age. Hemorrhages occur most often in people aged 15 – 20, but can also occur later in life. Some patients with an AVM also have a cerebral aneurysm.