Mark Kirk Stroke Recovery: Illinois Senator Reaches Important Milestone, Surgeon Says

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 18: U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) stands near computers that were cutting edge techonology in 1986 before a news conference about the 25th anniversary of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) October 18, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

CHICAGO -- Doctors say Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk has reached an important milestone in his recovery from a major stroke.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital neurosurgeon Richard Fessler said in a statement Tuesday that the swelling in Kirk's brain has subsided and the portion of his skull has been reattached. Fessler says it's a step toward rehabilitation and that Kirk remains in good condition.

The 52-year-old Republican was in good health when he had a stroke last month.

Doctors believe a clot developed from a tear in an artery in his neck and lodged in his brain. Surgeons removed part of his skull to relieve pressure and allow the brain to swell.

Fessler has said the stroke will affect movement on the left side of Kirk's body.

Comments

[modelaford]

01:05 AM on 02/09/2012

Our prayers and get well wishes to my Illinois Senator Mark Kirk.

[truthsayer4ever]

06:18 PM on 02/07/2012

I sincerely wish the Senator the very best in his recovery.

[deven61]

05:27 PM on 02/07/2012

As a former stroke and brain surgery patient (AVM), I feel for this man even though we are from differing political party's. He is in for a very long road back, but it is possible. My prayers are with you Senator.

[cruisepuppy7452a]

04:55 PM on 02/07/2012

I would not wish a stroke on anyone, including a republican. I have watched as my own mother battles with the side effects following her near stroke and can only imagine how much worse it is with a full on stroke. Folks, strokes hit all of us, nobody is immune, and we have to take care of ourselves, loved one who are nearing one, or who have suffered from this. Funding should be made available to allow for family leave beyond the corporate issue. It is a serious, life debilitating, horrible disease leaving many in its wake. Let's fight to get longer family leave available to all who care for a loved one. It may be one of you next in this position, and wouldn't it be nice to have that extra paid time off without repercussion or fear of job loss?

[hang319]

04:52 PM on 02/07/2012

Perhaps its time to consider putting in temporary replacements for missing congresspersons.