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Ill. Sen. Kirk's doctor happy with stroke recovery

Senator Mark Kirk (R-Illinois).
(via Wikimedia Commons/United States Senate)
Senator Mark Kirk (R-Illinois).

Mark Kirk's doctor says he is pleased with the Illinois senator's progress in recovering from a stroke in January.

Dr. Richard Harvey said Friday that Kirk continues to improve his "mobility for day-to-day activities." He adds that Kirk has been meeting regularly with his staff and has been getting visits from close friends and family.

Harvey is the medical director of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's Center for Stroke Rehabilitation.

Doctors have said the 52-year-old Republican should make a full mental recovery, though they expect him to have limited movement on his left side.

Immediately after the stroke, Kirk had emergency surgery that included the temporary removal of part of his skull to allow for swelling.

Kirk began his rehabilitation in mid-February with exercise that included walking on a treadmill.