Feinstein's office confirms broader health complications, contradicting senator's denial

Sen. Dianne Feinstein's office confirmed on Thursday that the California Democrat experienced broader health complications following her shingles diagnosis, contradicting an earlier denial from the senator herself.

A Feinstein spokesperson said in a statement to CNN that those complications "included Ramsay Hunt syndrome and encephalitis."

The spokesperson added, "While the encephalitis resolved itself shortly after she was released from the hospital in March, she continues to have complications from Ramsay Hunt syndrome."

Earlier on Thursday, Feinstein told CNN she did not have encephalitis, saying, "it really has never been diagnosed properly."

"It was really a bad flu," Feinstein said, adding, "I'm doing better, thank you."

It is rare for a Senate office to publicly contradict its own senator.

Feinstein has been dogged by health questions for years, including over her memory - questions that have only intensified during her monthslong absence from the Senate and her recent return.