Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell leaves press ...

US Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell says he is "fine" after freezing up mid-sentence at a press conference on Wednesday.

Key points:The 81-year-old froze while addressing media in Washington DCHe returned to speak with reporters after sitting in his office for a few minutesSenator McConnell fell and his hit head at a dinner event earlier this year

Senator McConnell approached the podium in Washington DC for his weekly press conference when he appeared to lose his train of thought, trailing off with a drawn-out "uh".

The Kentucky senator then appeared to freeze up and stared vacantly for around 20 seconds before his colleagues in Republican leadership, who were standing behind him and could not see his face, grabbed his elbows and asked if he wanted to go back to his office.

Senator McConnell slowly walked back to his office with an aide and Wyoming Senator John Barasso who is a former doctor.

After sitting in his office for a few minutes, he returned to the press conference.

When he returned to answer questions he said he was "fine" and still able to do his job.

The 81-year-old was out of the Senate for almost six weeks earlier this year after he fell and hit his head at a dinner event in a hotel.

He suffered a concussion and a fractured rib.

The Associated Press reported colleagues have shared concern about his health in recent weeks, with his speech sounding more halting in recent weeks.

AP