Because John McCain won't give the American people full access to his cancer records, and the media doesn't seem to want to ask why McCain has become increasingly erratic of late, including showing facial ticks or spasms moments before exhibiting confusion, we've resorted to asking doctors to talk us through what we may be seeing. Here is an email from one doctor I received today (I've confirmed that this person is a real MD):
I would like to say something about the facial tics and twitching before I approach your video today. His left eye seems to have a significant tic or twitch much of the time. It is on the same side as his surgery to remove a melanoma - as you can see by the scar. Senator McCain may also have had radiation to the area during his treatment. There are two critical facial nerves that go right through that area - Cranial Nerve V and Cranial Nerve VII. Either one of those could have been damaged by the surgery and or radiation - and cause what we see today. Looking at his face and his scars - it appears that he had rather extensive exculpation - and this would not be an uncommon outcome. It would be interesting to actually examine him to see if there were any other deficits - because just looking at videos is complete educated guesswork.
Now - about the events of the day. I actually viewed the bumbling around the stage episode on TV while I was leaning over a patient today - and was somewhat concerned. In light of the fact that this occurred just seconds after the facial issues that you documented in the other video is very very disturbing. Let me put it like this. If I had seen a 70-75 year old man do that in front of me in the emergency room - that gentleman would be immediately admitted for what is known as a TIA. This is a mini-stroke that often comes before a big huge one. It is likely that if this occurred - Senator McCain may have realized something was wrong - and immediately began looking for an exit. This bumbling lost behavior followed by the initial onset of the symptoms is very commonly described by family members witnessing such events. Regardless, he should be admitted to the hospital for observation - ruled out for strokes with tests - and possibly be immediately begun on certain meds to attempt to abort any other such attacks. I have not been able to find video of his speech patterns around the time of the facial problems today - it would be interesting to note if there were any changes. If it does turn out to be a TIA - the patient would need further evaluation to note if his carotid arteries are blocked.
I showed this video to 3 colleagues today - AND a neurologist - all of us agreed - this is concerning and should be immediately evaluated. It is, however, impossible to make medical diagnosis via a video - unless you are Bill Frist or Tom Coburn. I would caution you to be careful about making any insinuations about his medical condition based on just that alone. However, I am concerned enough about what I saw of Senator McCain today that he should be seeing a doctor immediately.
Just talked to two more buddies - again - they totally agree - one of whom is ardent McCain supporter.
