With major illnesses ruled out, what underlying medical mystery actually caused the Senator's sudden collapse and prolonged absence?

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The cause has not been definitively identified, but the strongest public explanation is that McConnell suffered another fall linked to longstanding mobility problems from post-polio syndrome, was briefly unconscious, and then required extended rehabilitation and treatment for mild pneumonia. McConnell himself said doctors ruled out a heart attack, stroke, concussion, broken bones, tumors and hemorrhages. His attending physician’s office also said testing found no cardiac abnormality, fracture, stroke or bleeding. That leaves the central mystery not as a major acute illness, but what triggered the collapse and loss of consciousness in the first place. The clearest medical clue came from the physician’s statement that McConnell had experienced several falls this year attributed to his post-polio condition. McConnell has long acknowledged weakness and mobility limitations stemming from childhood polio, especially affecting walking and balance. His office said the rest of his hospital stay focused on physical therapy and reducing future fall risk. What remains unresolved is whether the brief unconsciousness happened because he fainted and then fell, or whether the fall itself caused a short loss of consciousness. McConnell said he had undergone extensive testing to “help figure out what caused this incident,” indicating doctors had not publicly settled that point. So, based on the information released, the underlying issue appears to be chronic post-polio-related mobility instab…

McConnell Aides Say He Works From Hospital 6 Weeks After June 14 Fall

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McConnell Aides Say He Works From Hospital 6 Weeks After June 14 Fall

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