Guide Note

After a 911 call was received from his home in Hyannis Port, MA, Senator Edward Kennedy was transported to Cape Cod Hospital on the evening of September 26, 2008 for an apparent "minor seizure," an adverse reaction to a recent medication change.¹ He was released from the hospital a few hours later.²

Kennedy had been previously hospitalized on May 17 after having stroke-like symptoms, which were later found to be caused by a malignant brain tumor. He had since received treatment for the tumor.

Fast Facts

1. Hospitalized Friday, September 26, 2008
2. Transported by ambulance after emergency call at 5:12 p.m³
3. Was alert and responsive on ride over⁴
4. Suffered "minor seizure" due to medication change
5. Had been undergoing treatment for malignant brain tumor⁵
6. Returned home by 8:00 p.m., was adamant about going home because he did not want to miss the first debate between Obama and McCain³
7. Tumor was diagnosed May 20, 2008

1. Stroke-like symptoms reported, but turned out to be a seizure
2. Was at home in Hyannis Port when he became ill
3. Rushed to E.R. at 8:30 am
4. Air lifted to Boston at 10:15 am
5. While being transferred, a second seizure occurred
6. Age: 76 years old
7. Released from the hospital on May 21, 2008.
8. Diagnosis: Cancerous brain tumor

On May 20, 2008, attending physicians reported that Kennedy has a brain tumor. The diagnosis followed a biopsy, and is malignant. It is located in the top left side of his brain. Treatment usually consists of radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

In October of 2007, Kennedy had surgery to treat a clogged artery in his neck. The blockage was found while he was undergoing a routine examination of his neck and spine.

The routine operation was done to lessen the chances of a stroke in the future.

Ted Kennedy Brain Tumor | Edward Kennedy | Ed Kennedy Surgery