Capitol doctor: McConnell’s MRI clear, no evidence of seizure or stroke

Serious health questions have followed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-KY, for some time following a concussion and two recent freeze-ups in front of cameras.

Now Dr. Brian Monahan, the attending physician for the U.S. Capitol, has ruled out commonly guessed at diagnoses for McConnell, according to a letter from Monahan released by McConnell’s office.

There is “no evidence” that seizures, strokes and transient ischemic attack (TIA) were at play in McConnell’s much-publicized freeze-ups, Monahan says in the letter.

“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. 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 wrote.

Late last week, days after McConnell’s second freeze-up in Northern Kentucky, Monahan cleared McConnell to continue his Senate duties.

The Northern Kentucky incident occurred when a reporter asked McConnell at an event in Covington if he intended to run again for his Senate seat in 2026. McConnell fell silent for more than 30 seconds after he asked the reporter to repeat the question.

Kentucky Republican reception to the McConnell health questions was mixed. Those with long ties to the state party have uniformly expressed confidence in McConnell’s ability to lead the Senate GOP Caucus as well as carry on in elected office but, some in the state’s far right, many of whom have expressed disdain for McConnell as an alleged moderate when local county parties were censuring him, are calling on him to step down.

Gov. Andy Beshear, who many Democrats have predicted would defy the newly-passed law dictating that a Republican like McConnell would be replaced by another Republican, has remained hesitant to comment on what path he would take should a vacancy occur. When asked about what he’d do, he insists that “there is no vacancy” to comment on.

Beshear is running for re-election this year against GOP Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who began his political career as an intern in McConnell’s office and later worked for him Washington.

This story will be updated.