The Attending Physician of the United States Congress Navy Rear Admiral Dr. Brian Monahan, issued a statement Tuesday that Sen. Mitch McConnell’s recent episodes of sudden speechlessness and confusion aren’t the result of a stroke or a seizure, after a comprehensive neurological assessment including a brain MRI and consultations with several neurologists.
McConnell has fallen at least twice this year in addition to his freezing episodes and uses a wheelchair at airports.
The 81-year-old McConnell has been a member of the Senate for nearly 40 years and appeared gaunt when he appeared in front of reporters this week. He refused to answer any questions from reporters, and Adm. Monahan’s letter did not contain any diagnosis of what was causing his coordination and speech problems.
Sen. Marco Rubio defended McConnell, saying, “You saw the letter from the doctor. Isn’t that what we’re always hearing? Listen to the medical professionals?” in an apparent reference to his opposition to allowing women to make abortion decisions in consultation with their physicians.
