Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) does not appear to have endured a stroke or have a seizure disorder, the attending physician of the U.S. Congress said in a new update on Tuesday after the lawmaker’s second freeze-up last week.
“My examination of you following your August 30, 2023 brief episode included several medical evaluations: brain MRI imaging, EEG study and consultations with several neurologists for a comprehensive neurology assessment,” Dr. Brian Monahan said in a note released by McConnell’s office.
“There is no evidence that you have a seizure disorder or that you experienced a stroke, TIA or movement disorder such as Parkinson’s disease,” the physician added. “There are no changes recommended in treatment protocols as you continue recovery from your March 2023 fall.”
BREAKING NEWS: Sen. Mitch McConnell appearing to have another scary episode in the media gaggle in Covington today. Aides had to step in to help him out and repeat questions. He was eventually lead away. We'll have the full video on @WLWT pic.twitter.com/q9ex5MHxLV
— Hannah Thomas (@HannahPThomas) August 30, 2023
McConnell, 81, was briefly hospitalized with a concussion in March after falling at a hotel in Washington, D.C.
Over the past several weeks, he appeared to momentarily freeze and struggle to answer questions while speaking to the press, first last month on Capitol Hill and then last week during an event in Kentucky.
In a note released on Thursday, Monahan announced that he assessed the most recent incident and determined that McConnell was clear to continue working.
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“I have consulted with Leader McConnell and conferred with his neurology team. After evaluating yesterday’s incident, I have informed Leader McConnell that he is medically clear to continue with his schedule as planned,” Monahan said in his note last week.
“Occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration,” the physician added.
McConnell is part of a cadre of older politicians at or over the age of 80 who have drawn health concerns and pressure to retire, including President Joe Biden and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). He is up for re-election in 2026.
Amid a torrent of speculation about McConnell’s condition and future in Congress, Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) told CNN on Sunday that the minority leader would return to Washington, D.C., and discuss the matter with his colleagues after the summer recess.
“Mitch is sharp, and he is shrewd. He understands what needs to be done. I will leave it up to him as to how he wants to discuss that with the American public,” Rounds said, adding, “But there’s no doubt in my mind that he is perfectly capable of continuing on at this stage of the game.”