OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen announced on Sunday that he’s been hospitalized after suffering a “minor stroke” over the weekend.
The Democrat senator, who is running for re-election in November’s midterms, said he felt light-headed while speaking in western Maryland.
Van Hollen said in a statement on Twitter that doctors at George Washington University Hospital informed him that “there are no long-term effects or damage as a result of this incident.”
Van Hollen says he will remain hospitalized for “a few days” but plans to return to work in the Senate later this week.
“This weekend, I was admitted to George Washington University Hospital after experiencing lightheadedness and acute neck pain while I was delivering a speech in Western Maryland. At the recommendation of the Attending Physician, I sought medical attention upon my return home,” Van Hollen’s statement began.
“Earlier today, an angiogram indicated that I had experienced a minor stroke in the form of a small venous tear at the back of my head. Fortunately, I have been informed that there are no long-term effects or damage as a result of this incident, but my doctors have advised that out of an abundance of caution I remain under observation for a few days. I look forward to returning to work in the Senate later this week and thank the medical team for their excellent care,” Van Hollen concluded.
This weekend, after feeling lightheaded while delivering a speech, I sought medical attention at the recommendation of the Attending Physician. I’m feeling much better but will follow doctors' orders and curtail my schedule for the next few days. My full statement is below: pic.twitter.com/1sYq7FZMqS
— Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) May 16, 2022
The Maryland senator is the second high-profile politician to announce on Sunday that they’ve suffered a stroke.
Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, who is leading in the state’s Democratic Senate primary, revealed on Sunday that he suffered a stroke on Friday.
“I had a stroke that was caused by a clot from my heart being in an A-fib rhythm for too long,” he said in a statement from Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital. “The amazing doctors here were able to quickly and completely remove the clot, reversing the stroke, they got my heart under control as well.”
“The good news is I’m feeling much better, and the doctors tell me I didn’t suffer any cognitive damage,” he said. “I’m well on my way to a full recovery.”
“They’re keeping me here for now for observation, but I should be out of here sometime soon,” he added.
In the statement and in a video, Fetterman said he had been feeling unwell and that his wife insisted he go to the hospital to get checked out.
On Friday, I wasn’t feeling well, so I went to the hospital to get checked out.
I didn’t want to go – I didn’t think I had to – but @giselefetterman insisted, and as usual, she was right.
The good news is I’m feeling much better + I’m well on my way to a full recovery. pic.twitter.com/WQ5X6QgQen
— John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) May 15, 2022
John Fetterman had a stroke on Friday and waited two days to share this with the public. pic.twitter.com/1oNMimdeUX
— James Hohmann (@jameshohmann) May 15, 2022
John Fetterman, 52, Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor and Senate Candidate suffered a Stroke on Friday, caused by a blood clot.https://t.co/2WvLbZmGOk
— COVID VACCINE INJURIES .COM (@Storiesofinjury) May 15, 2022
Pennsylvania Democrat State Rep, Malcolm Kenyatta, a Senate candidate from Philadelphia, said his “prayers are with him and his family as he recovers from this stroke. I look forward to seeing him back on the campaign trail soon.”
Dr. Mehmet Oz, the celebrity doctor and Republican Senate candidate, said that he had “cared for atrial fibrillation patients and witnessed the miracles of modern medicine in the treatment of strokes.”
“I am thankful that you received care so quickly,” Ozz said. “My whole family is praying for your speedy recovery.”
