Current:Home > StocksCapitol physician says "no evidence" McConnell has seizure disorder, stroke, Parkinson's-LoTradeCoin
Capitol physician says "no evidence" McConnell has seizure disorder, stroke, Parkinson's
View Date:2024-12-24 00:17:40
Washington — Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell shows "no evidence" that he suffered a seizure disorder, stroke or Parkinson's disease during his two freezing episodes, the attending physician of Congress said Tuesday.
"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," Dr. Brian Monahan wrote in a letter to McConnell that was released publicly, using the abbreviation for transient ischemic attack, or a mini stroke.
Monahan also said McConnell had a brain MRI, an EEG study — which detects abnormalities the electrical activity of the brain — and consultations with several neurologists.
McConnell experienced a second freezing episode in public last week while answering questions from reporters in Kentucky. The latest episode came about a month after McConnell stopped talking mid-sentence during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol.
The episodes have brought growing scrutiny about the 81-year-old's health. McConnell suffered a concussion in March after tripping at a Washington hotel and was hospitalized for several days. He then continued treatment at an inpatient rehabilitation facility before returning to the Senate.
After last week's incident, a spokesperson for McConnell said he felt "momentarily lightheaded and paused" during the news conference. A similar explanation was given after the first incident.
Monahan said last week that McConnell was "medically clear to continue with his schedule as planned" after consulting with the Republican leader and his neurological team.
"Occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration," he said last week.
And he told McConnell in this week's letter, "There are no changes recommended in treatment protocols as you continue recovery from your March 2023."
McConnell briefly mentioned the recent episode in remarks on the Senate floor on Tuesday afternoon as the upper chamber returned from August recess.
"One particular moment of my time back home has received its fair share of attention in the press over the past week," he said. "But I assure you, August was a busy and productive month for me and my staff back in the commonwealth."
- In:
- Mitch McConnell
Caitlin Yilek is a politics reporter for CBS News Digital. Reach her at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/hausofcait
TwitterveryGood! (93342)
Related
- Mississippi governor intent on income tax cut even if states receive less federal money
- Former New Orleans Saints linebacker Ronald Powell dies at 32
- North Korea’s top diplomat in Moscow for talks on ties amid concerns over alleged arms deal
- Iran says it has launched attacks on what it calls militant bases in Pakistan
- What is ‘Doge’? Explaining the meme and cryptocurrency after Elon Musk's appointment to D.O.G.E.
- What's wrong with Eagles? Explaining late-season tailspin by defending NFC champions
- Vandalism probe opened after swastika painted on Philadelphia wall adjacent to Holocaust memorial
- What is capital gains tax in simple terms? A guide to 2024 rates, long-term vs. short-term
- Wendi McLendon-Covey talks NBC sitcom 'St. Denis Medical' and hospital humor
- Beyonce? Ariana Grande? Taylor Swift? Which female artists have the biggest potty mouths?
Ranking
- Smithfield agrees to pay $2 million to resolve child labor allegations at Minnesota meat plant
- Washington state sues to block merger of Kroger and Albertsons
- China's millennial and Gen Z workers are having to lower their economic expectations
- Iceland volcano erupts again, spewing lava toward town near country's main airport
- Shawn Mendes quest for self-discovery is a quiet triumph: Best songs on 'Shawn' album
- Stormy Daniels says she's set to testify in Trump's New York criminal trial in March
- 1 in 10 restaurants in the US serve Mexican cuisine, reflecting expanding population, study shows
- Connecticut takes over No. 1 spot as USA TODAY Sports men's basketball poll gets major overhaul
Recommendation
-
Caitlin Clark shanks tee shot, nearly hits fans at LPGA's The Annika pro-am
-
Jalen Rose, Chris Webber and the Fab Five reunite for Michigan-Ohio State basketball game
-
Jenna Ortega's 2023 Emmys Look Proves Her Wednesday-Inspired Style Is Over
-
Matthew Macfadyen's Final Tom-Greg Moment Is the Perfect Succession Sendoff at Emmys
-
Only 8 monkeys remain free after more than a week outside a South Carolina compound
-
These Valentine’s Day Edits From Your Favorite Brands Will Make Your Heart Skip a Beat
-
Anna Deavere Smith plays real Americans on stage - and she shares her lessons
-
Joyce Randolph, star of iconic sitcom The Honeymooners, dead at 99