Surgeon: Sen. Kirk's condition upgraded to good

[February 07, 2012]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Doctors say Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk has been upgraded to good condition and is continuing to improve after a major stroke.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital neurosurgeon Richard Fessler says Kirk is visiting with family. Fessler said Kirk watched the Super Bowl.

In a Monday statement, Fessler says Kirk will be able to start rehabilitation soon.

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. Surgeons also removed two small pieces of brain tissue destroyed by the stroke.

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

[Associated Press]

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