Mitch McConnell did not have a stroke as he froze and struggled to speak, doctor says
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A physician on Tuesday said Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., does not have a seizure disorder and did not have a stroke, after the Republican leader has frozen multiple times in in front of reporters.
Brian P. Monahan, the attending physician of the U.S. Congress, said in a letter addressed to McConnell that there is “no evidence” he has a movement disorder, such as Parkinson’s disease, or that he had a transient ischemic attack, also known as a ministroke, USA TODAY has confirmed.
Monahan explained in the letter that he examined McConnell, and the Republican leader received brain imaging, consultations with multiple neurologists and other assessments.
More:Mitch McConnell to consult doctor after freezing, struggling to speak for second time this summer
The assessment came after McConnell froze before a gaggle of reporters last month at an event in Kentucky. He was asked about running for reelection in 2026 and appeared to begin an answer before quickly freezing and going silent for seven seconds.
It’s the second time in recent months such an incident has interrupted a news conference featuring McConnell. During a news conference late last month at the U.S. Capitol, McConnell abruptly stopped speaking and stood silently for roughly 28 seconds. He was then escorted away from a lectern by his Republican colleagues.
Contributing: Phillip M. Bailey and Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Mitch McConnell hasn't had stroke, Parkinson's disease, doctor says
