Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

GOP senator recovering at home after hospitalisation for facial numbness

Britt says her recovery ‘could take several weeks.’

Eric Garcia
Tuesday 01 August 2023 11:15 EDT
Comments
(Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sen Katie Britt (R-AL) is recovering at home after she was hospitalised during the weekend when she was in Mongtomery with her family, CNN reported.

Ms Britt said in a statement that she “experienced a sudden onset of numbness” in her face. While the condition does not threaten her life, the recovery “could take several weeks.”

“Doctors determined that my symptoms were a result of swelling of a facial nerve, most likely caused by a post-viral infection,” she said in a statement.

“A specialist from UAB has subsequently evaluated me on an outpatient basis and concurred with the prognosis and course of treatment,” she said in reference to the University of Alabama Birmingham.

Ms Britt won her race for the Senate last year to replace retiring Sen Richard Shelby, for whom she served as chief of staff for years and became Alabama’s first female senator.

Former president Donald Trump endorsed her after he initially endorsed former congressman Mo Brooks, a former ally of his. Ms Britt, 41, is married to Wesley Britt, a former UAB football player who later played for the New England Patriots.

Ms Britt was one of a handful of Republican freshman senators elected last year but has also cultivated relationships with freshmen Democratic senators, including Sen John Fetterman (D-PA). When Mr Fetterman underwent treatment for depression at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Ms Britt visited him.

Mr Fetterman sent well wishes on Monday evening.

“Gisele and I are keeping Senator Britt, Wes, and their family in our thoughts and wishing her a speedy recovery and restful recess,” he posted on X.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in