Photo shows Kirk looking alert months after stroke

[April 25, 2012]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Doctors have released a photo of U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk that is the first public image of the Illinois Republican since his January stroke.

The photo released by the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago shows Kirk with closely trimmed hair, looking alert and sitting up as he rests his right arm on a table.

The director of the institute's Center for Stroke Rehabilitation, Dr. Richard Harvey, also gave an update Tuesday on Kirk's recovery.

Harvey says the senator has walked a total of more than 10 miles since he arrived at the center in February. He's also able to climb stairs and get in and out of vehicles.

Doctors have said the 52-year-old should make a full mental recovery, although they expect the stroke will limit movement on his left side.

[Associated Press]

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