Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen suffers stroke

May 16 (UPI) -- Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland said late Sunday that he suffered a "minor stroke" over the weekend.

In a statement, the Democratic senator said the stroke was in the form of a small venous tear at the back of his head and that he was hospitalized at George Washington University Hospital.

"Fortunately, I have been informed that there are no long-term effects or damage as a result of this incident, but my doctors have advised that out of an abundance of caution I remain under observation for a few days," he said. "I look forward to returning to work in the Senate later this week."

He added that he is felling "much better" but will be curtailing his schedule for the next few days at his doctor's order.

Hollen had sought medical attention at the recommendation of the attending physician after experiencing lightheadedness and acute neck pain while delivery a speech in the state over the weekend, he said.

The news of Hollen's stroke came on the heels of John Fetterman, senate candidate from Pennsylvania and the state's current lieutenant governor, announcing Sunday that he also suffered a stroke on Friday.

The Democrat said it was caused by a clot.

"The good news is I'm feeling much better," he said.

In early February, Democratic Sen. Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico said he had suffered a stroke in the cerebellum and was hospitalized.