What Is Medically Wrong With Hillary Clinton – Is She Fit For Presidency?
As reports flow in that Hillary Clinton has yet again had another “medical episode” in which she collapsed at a 9/11 ceremony and had to be rushed to the hospital, one can’t help but wonder about the many medical incidents she has had and some of her strange symptoms that have surfaced during appearances. In general, someone’s medical history is their own private business – but what about if they are in consideration to be elected as president of the United States? Do citizens deserve to know the private medical histories of presidential candidates?
Most would argue that yes, citizens deserve to know the medical problems of presidential candidates before they make their decision, as many medical conditions can affect the way that someone thinks, communicates or is able to perform a job. While candidates are usually “cleared” by a medical physician, that may mean little when one considers the power that presidential candidates have, and that medical physicians can be affected by politics as much as anyone else.
Hillary Clinton has had her fair share of medical events – including a broken elbow suffered during a fall in 2009, an incidence of dehydration that resulted in collapse the following year, and many medical incidents documented on camera of head-bobbing and jerky movements that indicate a neurological problem may be at play, including seizure-like activity. Some physicians who have reviewed the footage theorize that Parkinson’s Disease may be to blame. Photos have surfaced that show secret service men assisting Hillary Clinton up steps, at times nearly carrying her. Is she suffering from a medical condition that she isn’t disclosing?
Today, she left the 9/11 memorial ceremony abruptly after 90 minutes. Her campaign manager, Nick Merrill, says that she was attending to “pay her respects and greet some families of the fallen” when she unexpectedly felt unwell, according to MSN.
“During the ceremony, she felt overheated so departed to go to her daughter’s apartment, and is feeling much better.”
It was 82 degrees and breezy at the ceremony, and nobody else was suffering from heat-related emergencies. The 68-year-old has had other incidents of sudden illness, including a loss of consciousness that caused her to strike her head several years ago. At the time, doctors theorized she was likely completely unconscious before her head hit the floor, because self protective mechanisms, like holding her arms out to brace her fall, failed. She was said to suffer from post-concussive syndrome for weeks, but then was back to her normal health, according to her campaign.
But what is her normal state of health? Video footage shows frequent, exaggerated coughing fits, head bobbing episodes when something startles her, such as several journalists speaking at once, or at a display of balloon release at the Democratic National Convention. Photos have surfaced of her being helped up very short flights of steps by guards, and analysis of video footage shows hand motions during multiple speeches that display unusual motions that could indicate neurological impairment. It’s not uncommon for her to place her middle finger over her index finger, which is very uncomfortable for most people, but can be a clear sign of Parkinson’s Disease. She also can be seen rubbing her thumbs and pointer fingers together, a sign known as “pill-rolling”, that also can indicate Parkinson’s Disease.
Some journalists have questioned Clinton’s wardrobe, as well. Gone are the tailored “power suits” that she made so popular in the 1990s – now we are most likely to see her in long, button down tunics that nearly reach her knees, which is not a style of dress that is popular or trending. Some have theorized it may be to hide medical appliances or adult incontinence briefs. While there is no proof of that claim, the evolution of her wardrobe is astonishing when one compares it to just ten years ago.
While most agree that someone’s medical problems are their own personal business, serious medical problems of a potential presidential candidate could pose major problems for the United States, including a situation in which the candidate is no longer able to serve. Please share your thoughts on Hillary Clinton’s unusual symptoms and medical episodes.
[Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images]
