Ill. Sen. Kirk starts rehab exercises after stroke

[February 18, 2012]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk has started walking exercises on a treadmill as he continues his recovery from a stroke in January.

Dr. Richard Harvey is the medical director of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's Center for Stroke Rehabilitation. Harvey says the 52-year-old Republican is adapting well to the program. Kirk arrived at the center a week ago from the hospital where he had emergency surgery that included temporarily removing part of his skull to allow for swelling.

Harvey said Friday that Kirk is performing an increasing number of routine tasks on his own in addition to the walking exercises.

Harvey says he's pleased with the senator's progress.

Doctors have said Kirk should make a full mental recovery, though they expect him to have limited movement on his left side.

[Associated Press]

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