US Senator Chris Murphy hospitalised after a stroke, expected to recover fully
The Connecticut Democrat, seen as a possible 2028 presidential contender, felt numbness in his arm at his son's hockey game. He is awake, alert and responding to treatment.
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US Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, has been hospitalised after suffering a stroke, his office said on Sunday, November 1. Doctors expect him to make a full recovery.
Murphy, 53, felt numbness in his arm while at his son's hockey game on Saturday. Doctors at a local hospital found he had had a stroke, and he was transferred to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore "for further monitoring and is responding well to treatment", his office said.
"The doctors are encouraged by his progress, he is awake and alert, and we are optimistic he will make a full recovery," said his chief of staff, Allison Herwitt.
The statement did not say how severe the stroke was or when he might leave hospital.
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President Donald Trump told reporters he had just learned of Murphy's hospitalisation and would reach out "at the right time". Senator John Fetterman, who had a stroke during his 2022 campaign, said his family was rooting for Murphy's recovery.
A rising Democratic voice
Murphy has represented Connecticut in the Senate since 2013 and has become one of the Democratic Party's most prominent critics of the Trump administration. He has been seen by some party officials as a possible candidate for president in 2028. He had been campaigning for Democratic candidates ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections.
Know the signs of stroke
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts. Fast treatment can greatly reduce lasting damage. Doctors use the acronym BE FAST to help people recognise the signs:
- Balance: sudden loss of balance
- Eyes: sudden vision problems
- Face: one side of the face drooping
- Arms: weakness or numbness in one arm
- Speech: slurred or strange speech
- Time: call emergency services immediately
Murphy's early recognition of numbness in his arm, and quick medical attention, are the kind of response doctors say makes the biggest difference.
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