Chris Murphy Stroke: Connecticut Leaders From Both Parties Send Support as Doctors Highlight Warning Signs

Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut remains under care at Johns Hopkins after a stroke over the weekend. As of late Sunday, no new medical update had been released beyond his office’s initial statement. Messages of support came in from across Connecticut’s political spectrum, and doctors used the moment to remind the public what a stroke can look like.

Chris Murphy stroke: the latest

The only official account so far is the statement from Murphy’s chief of staff, Allison Herwitt, released Sunday and reported by CBS News and the Associated Press.

According to Herwitt, Murphy “started experiencing numbness in his arm while at his son’s hockey game” on Saturday afternoon. He was taken to a local hospital, where doctors found he had had a stroke, and was then transferred to Johns Hopkins “for further monitoring and is responding well to treatment.”

“The doctors are encouraged by his progress, he is awake and alert, and we are optimistic he will make a full recovery,” she said.

What isn’t known yet: The office hasn’t said what type of stroke Murphy had, how long he will stay in the hospital, or when he might return to work. Treat any other details circulating online with caution until his office or doctors confirm them.

Support from both parties

Connecticut leaders spoke up on Sunday, NBC Connecticut reported.

• Gov. Ned Lamont: “He’s been hit by a sudden shock. He’s going to be fine, and I look forward to walking the state of Connecticut with him very soon.”
• Rep. Jahana Hayes (D): “This was completely unexpected.”
• State Comptroller Sean Scanlon: “We all know he’s a big fighter and we’re all going to fight with him and for him.”
• State Sen. Ryan Fazio (R), a candidate for governor, said “our prayers are with him” and wished Murphy a quick and full recovery.

How old is Chris Murphy?

Murphy is 53, according to CBS News. He has represented Connecticut in the Senate since 2013, after three terms in the House. He has been seen as a possible 2028 presidential contender and spent recent weeks traveling the country for Democratic candidates ahead of Tuesday’s midterm elections. He isn’t on the ballot himself this year.

Stroke warning signs, explained

Murphy’s case has drawn attention to the fact that strokes don’t only happen to older adults. Dr. Paul Wright, co-physician in chief of the Ayer Neuroscience Institute at Hartford HealthCare, told NBC Connecticut that sudden changes, such as the arm numbness Murphy reported, should prompt immediate medical attention. Other signs he listed:

• Loss of vision or double vision
• Slurred speech
• Trouble understanding what someone is saying

Wright said strokes in younger people can have less typical causes, including genetic predisposition, irregular heart rhythms and tears in an artery. He said acting quickly can significantly improve outcomes. He also urged people to manage risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking, and to get annual checkups that can catch problems such as elevated blood sugar.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. If you think someone is having a stroke, call 911 right away.

FAQ

Earlier coverage: Sen. Chris Murphy Hospitalized After Stroke; Office Says He Is Awake, Alert and Expected to Recover (Nov 1)