Dr. Brian Monahan, the Capitol physician, has issued a recent update regarding the health of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who recently had a concerning moment during a press conference in Covington, Kentucky.
During the press conference, McConnell momentarily paused when asked about his plans for re-election in 2026. A similar incident occurred about a month ago during his weekly press conference.
Dr. Monahan has clarified that McConnell’s health issues are not related to a seizure disorder, nor has he experienced a stroke, as reported by The Hill.
“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 letter that was released by McConnell’s office. “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.”
“There are no changes recommended in treatment protocols as you continue recovery from your March 2023 fall,” Monahan added.
A number of Republicans said they spoke with McConnell after the latest incident, and he seemed fine.
“He was in good shape. He was direct. He said, you know, I had that concussion and he said, they warned me that I would be lightheaded in the future and that I’ve got to be aware of it. He said it happened twice, he said, it just so happens I’m doing it in front of reporters. But he felt good yesterday,” Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) said during a Sunday show appearance.
“Dr. Monahan … who is also my physician there at the Senate — he’s sharp. He says it exactly the way that it is. And if he says, you know, Mitch is ready to go, then Mitch is ready to go,” Rounds added, according to The Hill.
“But Mitch will come back in front of us, and he’ll discuss it with the entire team. He’s been busy. He’s been working around his own state, but he’s also been doing the fundraising that is required of a leader, and I think that’s been a big job for him as well during this break,” Rounds noted further.
