So, what exactly was Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell’s camera freeze last week? A capitol physician is saying it was not a seizure.

Nor does Mitch McConnell “show any evidence of seizure disorder, stroke or Parkinson’s‘, apparently.

Attending capitol physician, Brian T. Monahan recommended “no additional protocols” for the 81 year-old:

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.”-Dr. Brian T. Monahan

This assessment comes just a few days after McConnell’s second seizure-err, uhhh-freeze.Just the day after, the same capitol physician medically cleared McConnell to return to his duties. McConnell took a fall back in March that resulted in a concussion. “Lightheadedness” is common in concussion patients. “Occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration,” said Monahan.

Now, when I think “lightheadedness” due to “dehydration”, I think of feeling faint, feeling dizzy. I’m no MD and sure, one may not be able to speak clearly as a result of dehydration but a person with “lightheadedness” usually wobbles and falls down and does not stand there for seconds on end with their mouth gaping open. You know what that is called? They’re called absence seizures or petit mal seizures. You see? The word “seizure” is in both of these descriptions.

Granted, the Senate Minority Leader’s office was quick to get a jump on dispelling any rumors of a condition that would keep McConnell out-of-pocket. Instead, they reinforced that there is “no evidence of a seizure disorder”. We’re a bit skeptical.

After McConnell’s second freeze, a spokesperson stuck with the “lightheaded” story we all know so well. He did not look lightheaded, though, if you ask me. McConnell looked undoubtedly one o’ clock half struck.

And while Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina is buying the capitol physician’s assessment of Mr. McConnell, Rand Paul is skeptical:

I don’t think it’s been particularly helpful to have the Senate doctor describe it as dehydration — which I think even non-physicians seeing that, probably aren’t really accepting that explanation. What’s occurring from what I’ve seen, it’s a neurological event.”-Senator Rand Paul

Yep, the guy just needs some water, apparently. Mitch McConnell was just thirsty. Not. A. Seizure.

So, this implies it's a RAM issue then?

— JasonC (@JayQueCee) September 5, 2023

Some are thinking that even though ol’ Mitch looked as if he was waiting to board the Mothership in the two of these “dehydration” spells, that McConnell just won’t quit…

The only person in the Milky Way that can make Mitch quit is MitchAnd knowing him as I do, I think that’ll happen right about the time donkeys fly.”-Senator John Kennedy

Ooof.

And while some fully believe McConnell is up to the job after the capitol physician’s assessment, McConnell returned to work yesterday using a rarely used door to get to his office. No side-stepping any health concerns and questions at all.

You can’t have it both ways. You can’t say that you’re concerned about Joe Biden but you’re not concerned about Mitch McConnell. It’s either one or the other.”-Senator Josh Hawley

Truth. And although absence seizures are more common in children, the elderly can also experience these episodes:

There are many different signs of seizures because there are many types of seizures. In the movies and on TV, a person is often shown falling to the ground, shaking, and becoming unaware of what’s going on around them. That’s one kind of seizure, but it’s not the most common. More often, a person having a seizure may:

Seem confused.
Stare into space.
Wander.
Make unusual movements.
Be unable to answer questions or talk.”–CDC.gov

…Or should we believe the CDC?

There is no doubt that the capitol physician’s assessment of Mitch McConnell calls into question whether or not the 81 year-old should continue on in his capacity. But, as long as we call into question the viability of Mitch McConnel, we would for sure have to question the viability of Joe Biden. We will see how he does today when the entire Senate GOP gathers for its first meeting since July.

The dreaded "He's cleared to play" letter from the team doctor.

— Don Linn (@DonLinn) August 31, 2023

Whatever happens, just remember. It is not a stroke. No movement disorder. It is not a tumor. And it is most definitely not a seizure. Nothing to see here, folks.

What will he say after episode #3?

— Moses’ Samosas (@JohnQLaw369) August 31, 2023

Stay tuned.

Photo Credit: Donkey Hotey/flickr.com/cropped/Creative Commons