'No evidence' McConnell had a seizure or stroke, Capitol attending physician says
Mitch McConnell froze for more than 30 seconds while answering reporters' questions last week
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Republican Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's attending physician said Tuesday there's "no evidence" he had a seizure or a stroke when he froze up during public remarks 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 wrote.
"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 letter said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Monahan added there are "no changes recommended" in McConnell's treatments as he recovers from his March 2023 fall.
HALEY CALLS FOR TERM LIMITS AFTER MCCONNELL'S FREEZE: 'WE NEED PEOPLE AT THE TOP OF THEIR GAME'
Senate Minority Leader freezes while trying to answer a question from the press. (WXIX)
The leader froze for more than 30 seconds while answering reporters' questions in Covington, Kentucky, on Wednesday, just one month after his first freeze-up during a Capitol news conference before the August recess.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"What are your thoughts on running for re-election?" a reporter asked McConnell.
"What're my thoughts about what?" the GOP leader asked.
"What are your thoughts on running for re-election in 2026?" the reporter repeated. McConnell stared blankly for 10 seconds before an aide appeared next to him and asked, "Did you hear the question, senator? Running for re-election in 2026?"
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}MCCONNELL CLEARED TO RESUME 'SCHEDULE AS PLANNED' FOLLOWING KY PRESS CONFERENCE FREEZE
(WXIX )
"I'm okay," he told a second aide who appeared by his side. "Does anybody else have any questions? Please speak up," the other aide said.
Following the incident, McConnell reportedly answered a few questions.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"Leader McConnell felt momentarily lightheaded and paused during his press conference today," a McConnell spokesperson said afterward.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell paused in the middle of a senate during a Wednesday press conference on Capitol Hill. McConnell stepped away from the podium and later returned to say "I'm fine" and answer questions. (Pool/Fox News)
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Monahan cleared the longstanding GOP leader to resume business as usual on Friday and said then, "Occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration."
Earlier this year, McConnell, 81, suffered a concussion and fractured rib from a fall in a Washington hotel and spent time in recovery in an inpatient rehabilitation facility before returning to the Senate.