Argentine rocker Cerati undergoes brain surgery

CARACAS, Venezuela – Argentine rock star Gustavo Cerati was in intensive care on Wednesday after undergoing brain surgery due to a potentially fatal blood clot.

The 50-year-old former singer of the Argentine band Soda Stereo was being treated at a Caracas hospital after Tuesday's surgery.

Hospital director Adolfredo Saez said the artist suffered a transient ischemic attack, often called a mini-stroke, in which blood flow is reduced and prevents the brain from functioning properly.

Saez said the surgery opened a "a window to allow the pressure to diminish and prevent the brain stem from swelling, which could cause death." Saez told the local Globovision television channel that it's premature to predict when Cerati could recover, saying: "The first 72 hours are critical."

Cerati was hospitalized on Saturday after fainting at the end of a concert.

A group of Argentine doctors are expected to arrive in Venezuela and evaluate Cerati on Thursday, said Santiago Otero, president of Evenpro, the entertainment company that organized Cerati's concert.

Soda Stereo was a prominent Latin American rock band until it broke up in 1997. Since then, Cerati has had a successful solo career.

His surgery prompted an outpouring of support from other Latin American musicians and fans.

"We must have faith," said drummer Charly Alberti, who was in Soda Stereo with Cerati. "My head has been boiling since I found out on Sunday."

Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin wrote on Twitter: "Strength Cerati, we want you well!"

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