Susan Collins reveals medical condition but says her job as senator is unaffected
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- Senator Susan Collins revealed she has had a benign essential tremor, a neurological condition causing shaking in her hands, arms, and head, which she has managed with medication throughout her Senate career.
- Collins emphasized that the tremor does not affect her ability to perform her duties, noting she has not missed a vote in three decades and considers herself in good health to serve another term.
- The disclosure comes amid heightened scrutiny of Collins's health and her vulnerability in the upcoming midterm elections, where her Democratic opponent currently holds a slight lead in polls.
- Essential tremor, common in adults over 40 and unrelated to cognitive decline or Parkinson’s disease, causes involuntary shaking, especially during simple tasks, according to medical experts.
- Critics have pointed to visible signs of Collins’s tremor during recent campaign events, sparking debate about her physical condition and capacity to continue serving effectively.
