The Obama administration says U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson is taking a medical leave of absence to undergo tests after being involved in two separate traffic crashes near Los Angeles, California after suffering an apparent seizure.

Officials with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department says Bryson was driving a car last Saturday that allegedly struck at least two vehicles, one of them twice. Bryson was later found alone and unconscious in his car, and was treated at the scene before being taken to a hospital where he remained overnight.

Bryson faces felony hit-and-run charges in the incidents. Only minor injuries were reported by the occupants of the other vehicles.

White House spokesman Jay Carney issued a statement saying U.S. President Barack Obama was keeping Bryson and his family in his thoughts.

Deputy Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank will assume Bryson's duties until he returns.