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Capitol doctor says McConnell shows 'no evidence' of stroke or seizure disorder

mitch mcconnell
J. Scott Applewhite
/
AP

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell's office has released another letter from the Capitol doctor detailing the testing he has undergone since freezing in front of reporters again last week, reiterating that these episodes are the result of a concussion McConnell experienced in March.

"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," reads the letter from Capitol attending physician Brian P. Monahan, MD, MACP, FRCP released Tuesday. "There is no evidence that you have a seizure disorder or that you experienced a stroke, TIA [transient ischemic attack] or movement disorder such as Parkinson's disease. There are no changes recommended in treatment protocols as you continue recovery from your March 2023 fall."

Senator Mitch McConnell's office
/
Courtesy

In March, McConnell was hospitalized and suffered a concussion after a fall at a hotel in Washington, D.C. In July, he abruptly froze during his weekly press conference. He again froze at an event in Northern Kentucky on Thursday.

Get caught up: Sen. McConnell appears to freeze again at event in Northern Kentucky

A day after that event, McConnell's office released a letter from Monahan stating he was "medically clear to continue his schedule as planned."

"I have consulted with Leader McConnell and conferred with his neurology team," Monahan wrote in the signed letter dated Aug. 31, 2023. "After evaluating yesterday's incident, I have informed Leader McConnell that he is medically clear to continue with his schedule as planned. Occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration."

McConnell's first incident in July sparked concern and speculation about McConnell's health, but Senate Republicans at the time voiced support for him and shut down questions about a change in leadership. The reaction to last week's incident, however, was different, with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) calling him "not fit for office," and Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy calling for him to step down.

RELATED: Republicans voice support for McConnell

McConnell, 81, was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1984. He is the longest-serving Senate Republican Leader in history.

Updated: September 5, 2023 at 12:24 PM EDT
This article has been updated to include the details of a second letter from Capitol attending physician Brian P. Monahan.
Jennifer Merritt brings 20 years of "tra-digital" journalism experience to WVXU.