Capitol physician denies any evidence of McConnell having seizure disorder, stroke, Parkinson’s

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has been cleared of any evidence of a seizure disorder, stroke, or Parkinson’s disease, according to the attending physician of Congress. Dr. Brian Monahan released a letter stating that McConnell underwent tests, including a brain MRI, EEG study, and consultations with neurologists, which all showed no signs of these conditions. This comes after McConnell experienced two freezing episodes in public, raising concerns about his health.

The first freezing episode occurred during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol, where McConnell abruptly stopped talking mid-sentence. The second episode took place last week while he was answering questions from reporters in Kentucky. These incidents have prompted increased scrutiny of the 81-year-old senator’s well-being. McConnell had previously suffered a concussion in March after tripping at a Washington hotel and was hospitalized for several days before undergoing rehabilitation.

Following the recent episode, McConnell’s spokesperson attributed the momentary lightheadedness to dehydration, a similar explanation given after the initial incident. However, not all Republicans are convinced by this diagnosis. Senator Rand Paul, who is also a physician, dismissed dehydration as an inadequate explanation and suggested that the episodes looked like focal neurologic events or seizures. Paul emphasized that this does not necessarily mean McConnell is incapacitated but called for further investigation into the matter.

Despite these concerns, Dr. Monahan has stated that McConnell is medically cleared to continue with his planned schedule, as occasional lightheadedness is common in concussion recovery and can also be attributed to dehydration. The attending physician assured McConnell that there are no recommended changes in his treatment protocols as he continues to recover from his March concussion.

In a speech on the Senate floor, McConnell briefly addressed the recent episode, stating that August had been a busy and productive month for him and his staff. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin expressed his relief at seeing McConnell back in action and shared that McConnell had taken every test thrown at him, acknowledging the toll that concussions can take on individuals.

As the senator’s health remains a topic of discussion, McConnell’s commitment to transparency has been highlighted by fellow Republicans. Senator John Cornyn commended McConnell’s efforts to rule out speculations about his health and expressed his support for greater transparency in the matter.

In conclusion, McConnell has received clearance from the attending physician of Congress after undergoing tests that showed no evidence of a seizure disorder, stroke, or Parkinson’s disease. While concerns about his health persist, McConnell’s commitment to transparency and his determination to continue with his scheduled activities demonstrate his readiness to address any potential issues.

Original Story at www.cbsnews.com – 2023-09-05 23:47:00