U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk is expected to recover cognitive functions but could have some physical impairment following a weekend stroke, the neurosurgeon who operated on the senator said today following three-hour surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
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Fessler said the stroke "will affect his ability to move his left arm, possibly his left leg and possibly will involve some facial paralysis. Fortunately, the stroke was not on the left side of his brain, in which case it would affect his ability to speak, understand and think."

Chances for a full mental recovery were “good” but chances for a full physical recovery were “not great,” Fessler said.

The 52-year-old Illinois Republican will continue to work on his recovery as an out-patient at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and is also participating in a research trial at the center that involves an intensive daily walking program.
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His doctors have released regular updates saying they are pleased with Kirk's progress. In the most recent one April 24, the director of the institute's Center for Stroke Rehabilitation, Dr. Richard Harvey, said Kirk had walked more than 10 miles altogether since he arrived at the center in early February. He added that Kirk was able to climb stairs and get in and out of vehicles as part of his exercises.
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Doctors have said the stroke was expected to limit movement on his left side, though they expected him to make a full mental recovery.
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