Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy Leaves Hospital After Stroke
The 53-year-old Democrat will spend weeks at a rehab center but expects a full recovery according to his doctor.
By Ethan Cooper ·
Sen. Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, left the hospital on Friday. He had been treated there for nearly one week following a medical emergency. Murphy now plans to spend the next several weeks at a rehabilitation center while he continues his recovery.
The senator announced his diagnosis directly to the public. He stated that he felt something was wrong with his body on Saturday afternoon and called 9-1-1 as a precaution. Murphy, who is 53 years old, said he was diagnosed with a small bleed in the thalamus region of his brain. The thalamus is a structure located above the brainstem that relays sensory information.
Dr. Jose Suarez, the chief of neurosciences critical care at Johns Hopkins, confirmed the specific condition. He told reporters that the senator experienced a small hemorrhagic stroke. Suarez noted that Murphy has shown tremendous progress during his hospital stay. He said that at the current rate of improvement, the medical team expects a full recovery following rehabilitation.
Murphy’s office first notified the public on Sunday about the incident. The senator felt numbness in his arm while attending his son’s hockey game. He was taken to a local hospital where the stroke was discovered. Medical staff then transferred him to Johns Hopkins for further treatment.
Murphy said he is taking the recovery process seriously. He aims to return to work on the quickest timeline possible. He described the experience as scary for him and his family. He also expressed appreciation for the privacy people have granted his household during this time.
The senator said he remains engaged with his team and colleagues remotely. His staff is continuing to carry out legislative priorities and serve constituents. Murphy stated that the work of his office will continue uninterrupted while he focuses on getting well.
Murphy has been viewed as a possible contender for the White House in 2028. He will miss several weeks of votes in the Senate while he undergoes rehabilitation.
