Mitch McConnell’s abrupt episode has an important public health takeaway

The handling of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s abrupt medical issue this week is raising concerns among medical experts that the event sent a potentially dangerous public-health message — that when someone experiences an episode with symptoms like McConnell’s, they can simply return to work as though nothing had happened.

McConnell experienced the episode on Wednesday — freezing and remaining silent for about 20 seconds during a press conference, then showing signs of disorientation — and was led away by aides while cameras rolled.

Minutes later, the Kentucky senator, 81, returned to the press briefing and said, “I’m fine.” He didn’t answer specific questions about whether he was examined by a doctor. A McConnell aide later said the senator had felt light-headed.

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