Sen. Dianne Feinstein Experiences More Health Complications than Previously Disclosed During Shingles Recovery

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., experienced more health complications than were previously disclosed during her recovery from shingles, her spokesperson said Thursday.

The 89-year-old senator had been absent from Washington for nearly three months due to complications from the virus, including encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, and Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a condition caused when shingles spread to her head and neck.

“The senator previously disclosed that she had several complications related to her shingles diagnosis,” the spokesperson said. “While the encephalitis resolved itself shortly after she was released from the hospital in March, she continues to have complications from Ramsey [sic] Hunt syndrome.”

Feinstein, when she made brief appearances in the Capitol this week, appeared to have facial paralysis on the left side of her face, a side effect of Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Encephalitis can cause memory loss, changes in behavior, and difficulty speaking and understanding language.

Feinstein, who has served in the Senate since 1992, is up for re-election in 2022. She has not yet indicated whether she will seek another term.