A congressional doctor says there is no evidence that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has a “seizure disorder” or suffered a mini-stroke, after two troubling recent public paralyzes.
Capitol Hill attending physician Dr. Brian Monahan performed an exam on the 81-year-old Kentucky Republican after his second episode of frostbite at a podium on Aug. 30.
But while the doctor cast doubt on some of the medical theories circulating online about McConnell’s condition, he did not publicly provide an explanation for the episodes.
“My examination of you following your brief episode on August 30, 2023 included several medical evaluations: brain MRI, EEG study, and consultations with several neurologists for a comprehensive neurological evaluation,” Monahan said in a statement released by the office of McConnell.
“There is no evidence that you have a seizure disorder or that you have had a stroke, TIA [mini-stroke] or a movement disorder like Parkinson’s disease,” the doctor said. “No changes to treatment protocols are recommended as you continue to recover from the March 2023 crash.”
Mitch McConnell’s aide Robbin Taylor (left) checks to see if the Senate Minority Leader is okay after his second bout of public freezing last week. via REUTERS
The 81-year-old senator’s eyes turned upward and he remained silent for nearly 30 seconds during his second episode.via REUTERS
Last week, Monahan said McConnell was “medically cleared” to “continue with his agenda as planned.”
McConnell first froze publicly mid-sentence on July 27 while addressing reporters at the Capitol. He was silent for about 20 seconds before responding.
Last month’s repeat episode lasted about 30 seconds.
McConnell’s aides emphasized that he felt dizzy each time, but emphasized that he was lucid after both events.
Two experts consulted by The Post have suggested that McConnell’s freezing episodes were likely due to some form of partial seizure.
Senator John Barrasso controls Mitch McConnell during his first frostbite scare in July. Getty Images
Last week, Monahan said McConnell was “medically cleared” to “continue with his agenda as planned.” Chamber Administration Committee
Technically, Monahan didn’t rule it out, but argued there was no evidence the Senate leader is dealing with a “seizure disorder.”
Another prominent theory that circulated after the second episode was that McConnell suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke. Monahan said there was no proof of that.
Last month, Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) revealed to reporters that McConnell slipped and fell in February while leading a delegation of senators to Finland, but appeared unharmed.
On March 8, McConnell suffered a concussion and broken ribs in a fall during a fundraiser at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington, DC. The incident sidelined him from the Senate chamber for weeks.
Mitch McConnell has led the Senate Republicans since 2007.AP
Four months later, on July 14, he suffered a fall while exiting a canceled flight at Reagan Washington National Airport, NBC News reported.
McConnell is the longest-serving party leader in the history of the upper chamber, having led Senate Republicans since 2007.
A handful of Republicans, including former President Donald Trump and fellow 2024 hopeful Nikki Haley, have suggested that he step aside after his health woes.
McConnell won’t be re-elected until 2026 and has been coy about whether he plans to run again.
The Senate reconvened Tuesday after a multi-week recess for the August recess. The House is ready to resume its session on September 12.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn