Oct 1, 2008

McCain Mini Strokin!

Is McCain having a health problem? Mini strokes, maybe? Americablog asked this question today after McCain had some weird facial tick, then turned around and got lost onstage. I didn't think much of it, but the blogger asked some doctors to take a look at the video. Here's what one said:
Now - about the events of the day. I actually viewed the bumbling around the stage episode on TV while I was leaning over a patient today - and was somewhat concerned. In light of the fact that this occurred just seconds after the facial issues that you documented in the other video is very very disturbing. Let me put it like this. If I had seen a 70-75 year old man do that in front of me in the emergency room - that gentleman would be immediately admitted for what is known as a TIA. This is a mini-stroke that often comes before a big huge one. It is likely that if this occurred - Senator McCain may have realized something was wrong - and immediately began looking for an exit. This bumbling lost behavior followed by the initial onset of the symptoms is very commonly described by family members witnessing such events. Regardless, he should be admitted to the hospital for observation - ruled out for strokes with tests - and possibly be immediately begun on certain meds to attempt to abort any other such attacks. I have not been able to find video of his speech patterns around the time of the facial problems today - it would be interesting to note if there were any changes. If it does turn out to be a TIA - the patient would need further evaluation to note if his carotid arteries are blocked.

I showed this video to 3 colleagues today - AND a neurologist - all of us agreed - this is concerning and should be immediately evaluated. It is, however, impossible to make medical diagnosis via a video - unless you are Bill Frist or Tom Coburn. I would caution you to be careful about making any insinuations about his medical condition based on just that alone. However, I am concerned enough about what I saw of Senator McCain today that he should be seeing a doctor immediately.
Yikes. Me no want President Strokey.

No comments: