In a letter that appeared to try to tamp down speculation about the underlying causes of McConnell’s latest health scares, Brian P. Monahan, the attending physician, wrote that he had examined McConnell after his episode last Wednesday.
“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,” Monahan wrote, using an abbreviation for a transient ischemic attack, or a brief stroke. “There are no changes recommended in treatment protocols as you continue recovery from your March 2023 fall.”
Monahan specified that his examination of McConnell had included taking magnetic resonance imaging of McConnell’s brain, an electroencephalogram study and “consultations with several neurologists for a comprehensive neurology assessment.”
Tuesday’s letter includes far more details than one released from him last week, in which the attending physician stated that he had consulted with McConnell and his neurology team, and deemed him “medically clear to continue with his schedule as planned.”
Monahan also wrote then that “occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration.”
However, neither of Monahan’s letters address the underlying cause of what has been a more than four-year struggle for McConnell with falling. Some of his falls were serious and resulted in injuries, while others were minor stumbles tied to balance issues. In early March, McConnell fell and suffered a concussion and broken rib during a private dinner at a Washington hotel. He was absent from the Senate for nearly six weeks as he recovered from his injuries but returned in April.
McConnell has never elaborated on the cause of the fall in March, and his office released statements following both freezing incidents saying the Republican leader felt dehydrated and lightheaded.
Three neurologists consulted by The Washington Post last week said it is impossible to diagnose a patient through brief video clips, but the two similar episodes hinted at a few possible explanations, including localized seizures or a temporary drop in blood pressure. They said a complete medical examination and testing, including brain scans, would be needed to diagnose the problem.
The Senate reconvened Tuesday after its summer recess, and in his remarks on the Senate floor, Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said he was glad to see McConnell “back and doing well.”
McConnell did not speak to reporters on his way into the chamber Tuesday. In his own remarks on the Senate floor, which lasted about five minutes, McConnell briefly addressed his freeze-up last week.
“Spending time back in our states with the folks we represent isn’t just part of our job. More than anything else, it allows us to be effective here in Washington,” McConnell said Tuesday. “Now, one particular moment of my time back home has received its fair share of attention in the press over the past week. But I assure you, August was a busy and productive month for me and my staff back in the Commonwealth.”
After his opening remarks, McConnell headed back toward his office and did not respond to reporters’ questions.
Paul Kane and Carolyn Y. Johnson contributed to this report.
