Full Breakdown
Speech-Pathologist Warns of Possible Anoxic Brain Injury in Sen. Mitch McConnell
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Concern
Hilary Shae, a licensed speech-language pathologist who specializes in concussion and neurological disorders, told *The David Pakman Show* that Sen. She linked the concern to a reported fall with pneumonia and a 911 call indicating that “someone was down” before CPR was administered, which she said typically means the patient was not breathing.
Professional Background
Shae holds certification in speech-language pathology and focuses on concussion-related conditions. Her expertise informs her observation that automatic gestures—such as the “thumbs up” and brief wave McConnell has displayed—can persist despite significant brain damage. She described these motions as “stereotypic gestures,” which may be preserved when higher-order motor control is impaired.
Observations and Analysis
Shae pointed to video of McConnell being wheeled over curbs and striking a doorway, noting an absence of purposeful movement in his legs or hands. “freezing moments” lasting “20, 30 seconds,” and a history of post-polio syndrome, arguing that these factors compound the risk of a poor outcome after an anoxic event. She highlighted that more than four months have passed since the incident, underscoring the limited progress observed.