Mitch McConnell’s doc says there’s no evidence of mini-stroke or ‘seizure disorder’ after senator freezes mid-press conference for second time
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 freeze-ups.
Capitol Attending Physician Dr. Brian Monahan conducted an examination of the 81-year-old Kentucky Republican after his second freezing episode at a podium 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 August 30, 2023 brief episode included several medical evaluations: brain MRI imaging, EEG study and consultations with several neurologists for a comprehensive neurology assessment,” Monahan said in a statement released by McConnell’s office.
“There is no evidence that you have a seizure disorder or that you experienced a stroke, TIA [mini-stroke] or movement disorder such as Parkinson’s disease,” the doctor said. “There are no changes recommended in treatment protocols as you continue recovery from your March 2023 fall.”
McConnell briefly alluded to his ordeals during his remarks on the Senate floor Tuesday, when the upper chamber reconvened 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. But I assure you August was a busy and productive month for me and my staff back in the Commonwealth,” he said.
Last week, Monahan said McConnell was “medically clear” to “continue with his schedule as planned.”
McConnell froze up for the first time publicly mid-sentence July 27 while addressing reporters on Capitol Hill. He was silent for about 20 seconds before snapping back.
Last month’s repeat episode lasted roughly 30 seconds.
Aides for McConnell emphasized that he felt light-headed each time but stressed that he was lucid after both occurrences.
Two experts consulted by The Post have suggested that McConnell’s freezing episodes likely stemmed from some sort of partial seizure.
Technically, Monahan didn’t rule that out but argued there was no evidence the Senate leader is dealing with a “seizure disorder.”
Another prominent theory circulating after the second episode was that McConnell endured a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke. Monahan said there was no evidence for that.
Last month, Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) revealed to reporters that McConnell slipped and fell in February while leading a delegation of senators to Finland but appeared uninjured.
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.
Four months later, on July 14, he took a tumble while departing a canceled flight at Washington’s Reagan National Airport, NBC News reported.
McConnell is the joint longest-serving party leader in the history of the upper chamber — having led Senate Republicans since 2007.
A handful of Republicans, such as former President Donald Trump and his fellow 2024 hopeful Nikki Haley, have suggested he step aside after his health scares.
McConnell isn’t due for re-election until 2026 and has been coy about whether he plans to run again.
The Senate reconvened Tuesday after a multiweek break for August recess. The House is set to gavel back into session Sept. 12.
