Capitol’s Attending Physician Dismisses Health Concerns for Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell

CNN — Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell has been evaluated by a group of neurologists following two recent health scares in front of TV cameras. The Capitol’s attending physician, Brian Monahan, released a letter stating that there is no evidence McConnell has a seizure disorder, experienced a stroke, or has a movement disorder such as Parkinson’s disease. McConnell froze in front of cameras for the second time in as many months, sparking concerns about his ability to continue in his powerful role as the leader of the Senate GOP Conference. McConnell underwent several evaluations, including brain MRI imaging and a test that measures electrical imaging in the brain, and the results showed no evidence of any neurological condition. CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta explained that while these tests can provide information, they cannot definitively rule out a seizure. McConnell himself addressed the incidents, assuring that August was a busy and productive month for him and his staff. GOP senators, including John Cornyn and John Thune, expressed support for McConnell, but there are lingering questions about his health and whether he will continue to lead in the next Congress. McConnell’s office had previously attributed the freezing incidents to “lightheadedness” and noted that McConnell had suffered a concussion and broken ribs earlier in the year, which may have contributed to the lightheadedness. Some GOP senators, like Susan Collins and Mitt Romney, remain confident in McConnell’s ability to handle his work. However, others, like Rand Paul and Tommy Tuberville, are skeptical. Tuberville expressed concern that McConnell may not have fully healed from his concussion and questioned whether he can effectively perform his duties. McConnell is expected to address his health during a closed-door conference meeting with Republican senators on Wednesday.