WASHINGTON — Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a California Democrat, faced more health problems than previously known when she stepped down from the Senate for nearly three months.
The 89-year-old Democrat suffered complications while recovering from shingles, including encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, and a condition known as Ramsay Hunt syndromeHis spokesman said Thursday.
“The senator previously disclosed that he had various complications related to his shingles diagnosis,” the spokesperson said. “Although the encephalitis resolved on its own soon after he was released from the hospital in March, he continued to have complications from Ramsay Hunt syndrome.”
The New York Times first reported additional health problems on Thursday.
According to the Mayo Clinic, encephalitis can cause memory loss, personality changes, seizures, or movement problems. It can also cause changes in vision or hearing. Ramsay Hunt occurs when ringworm affects the facial nerve near the ear. It can cause facial paralysis and hearing loss, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Feinstein Returned to the Senate Last week, he appeared in public for the first time since February. He was wheeled to the Capitol, looking weak and with one eye nearly closed. In a written statement at the time, Feinstein said she had made “significant progress” but was “still experiencing some side effects from the shingles virus.”
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In an exchange with reporters earlier this week, Feinstein denied being absent when asked about any backlash she’s received from colleagues since her return.
“I didn’t go,” he said, according to the Los Angeles Times and Slate. Asked if she was working from home, Feinstein said, “No, I’m here. I’m voting.”
During her absence, Feinstein faced calls to resign from some Democrats who said she was obstructing her ability to move legislative and judicial nominees. But Feinstein dismissed those concerns.
Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, of which Feinstein is a member, said Wednesday that his colleagues “are monitoring her medical condition almost daily.”
When asked if he was confident Feinstein could continue to serve, Durbin said, “I can’t be the judge of that,” adding, “She has to make that decision for herself.”
Feinstein decided earlier this year that she would not seek re-election in 2024.
Nicole Killion and Alan He contributed to the report.
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