Sen. Mitch McConnell's doctor clears him after freezing, says 'occasional lightheadedness' common

Erin Mansfield, Joey Garrison and Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY
·1 min read
1
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

Sen. Mitch McConnell's doctor cleared him to continue with his schedule, saying he has experienced "occasional lightheadedness," from dehydration and a previous concussion.

"Occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration," wrote Dr. Brian P. Monahan in a note McConnell's office released.

McConnell, 81, froze Wednesday at a press conference in Northern Kentucky. It was the second time in a matter of weeks that he had to pause taking questions at a press conference and receive assistance from aides.

U.S. Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell before taking the podium to speak at the NKY Chamber of Commerce at the Madison Event Center in Covington, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.
U.S. Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell before taking the podium to speak at the NKY Chamber of Commerce at the Madison Event Center in Covington, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023.

President Joe Biden on Mitch McConnell: 'He’s going to be back to his old self'

President Joe Biden said Thursday he spoke to McConnell on the phone and the Republican leader was “his old self.” Biden said he has an understanding of what McConnell is going through based on conversations with neurosurgeons.

“It's not at all unusual to have the response that sometimes happens to Mitch when you've had a severe concussion. It’s part of the recovery. And so I’m confident, he’s going to be back to his old self.”

What happened? Sen. Mitch McConnell freezes again during a press conference in Northern Kentucky

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Mitch McConnell sees doctor after freezing in NKY: What to know