WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland said in a statement that over the weekend he experienced a "minor stroke."
The Democratic senator made the announcement Sunday evening. Van Hollen said he experienced "light headedness and acute neck pain" when he delivered a speech in Western Maryland. After the speech, he was admitted to George Washington University Hospital.
The 63-year-old senator received confirmation from an angiogram Sunday that he experienced "a minor stroke in the form of a small venous tear at the back of [his] head."
"Fortunately, I have been informed that there are no long-term effects or damage as a result of this incident, but my doctors have advised that out of an abundance of caution I remain under observation for a few days," Van Hollen said.
Van Hollen thanked the medical team that cared for him and said he expects to return to work in the Senate this week.
The CDC lists the following symptoms as five common signs and symptoms of a stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
The CDC also says to act fast if you think someone is having a stroke with this acronym test:
F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S—Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
T—Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.