In brief
In a positive update, doctors confirm Lula's health is good following his surgery, caused by a previous fall in October.
Following an intense medical procedure, Brazil's President Lula is now recovering well, showing no signs of brain injury or negative after-effects from his recent surgery for a brain bleed stemming from a fall. Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is reported to be doing "well" after undergoing a surgical procedure to address a brain bleed, according to his medical team. The 79-year-old leader was admitted to a hospital in Brasília on Monday due to a severe headache, which was found to be related to an intracranial hemorrhage after an MRI scan. This condition was linked to a fall he experienced in October.Following the diagnosis, Lula was transferred to the prestigious Sírio-Libanês hospital in São Paulo for the procedure, where doctors performed a craniotomy to alleviate the pressure caused by the bleed and to treat the affected area. They confirmed that no permanent brain damage occurred and that Lula was lucid and able to engage with the hospital staff post-surgery.In a local news conference, the medical team assured the public of Lula’s stable health, stating they expected his return to Brasilia by next week if recovery continues positively. The presidential spokesperson indicated that Lula is calm and coherent, and would remain in the intensive care unit for further observation for the next 48 hours.Lula's accident occurred on 19 October while he was in the Alvorada Palace, where he hit the back of his head, receiving five stitches as a result. The President had to cancel an upcoming trip to Russia for a Brics summit following the injury but resumed his official duties shortly after. Lula, who assumed office on 1 January 2023, narrowly defeated the previous president Jair Bolsonaro in a closely contested election.
