Updated Feb 9, 2023 - Politics & Policy

Doctors rule out new stroke for Fetterman after test results

Rebecca Falconer

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) walks through the Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol prior to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address on Tuesday. — Sen. John Fetterman walking through the Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol prior to President Biden’s State of the Union address at a joint meeting of Congress in the House chamber on Tuesday. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

Doctors treating Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) at the George Washington University Hospital on Thursday released the results of an MRI — and other tests — ruling out a new stroke, his communications director Joe Calvello said in a statement.

Driving the news: Fetterman was hospitalized on Wednesday after he "began feeling lightheaded" during a Senate Democratic retreat in Washington, D.C.

What they're saying: "John is being monitored with an EEG for signs of seizure," said Calvello in the statement.

"So far there are no signs of seizure, but he is still being monitored," he added.

How it happened: Fetterman was taken to the George Washington University Hospital for testing on Wednesday. "Initial tests did not show evidence of a new stroke," per his office's statement.

The big picture: Fetterman had a stroke days before the Democratic primary, which he won comfortably.

He said when questioned during an October televised debate with Republican opponent Mehmet Oz about his fitness to serve that "transparency is about showing up" as he emphasized his doctor's positive outlook on his recovery.
The former lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania went on to flip the formerly Republican-held U.S. Senate seat for the Democrats at last year's midterm elections.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with additional details throughout.

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Doctors rule out new stroke for Fetterman after test results

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