Politics & Government

U.S. Senator Kirk Suffers Stroke, Undergoes Surgery

The left leg and left arm of the freshman Republican senator were affected, according to multiple news outlets.

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) is recovering at Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital after suffering a stroke and undergoing surgery, according to .

The surgery went well, according to a Chicago Tribune story also published Monday. The Tribune reported that Kirk's left arm and left leg were affected by the stroke, which also caused "some facial distortion."

Dr. Richard Fessler, who performed Kirk's surgery, said he was hopeful that, because of Kirk's young age and good health, all affected functions will return as the Highland Park resident recovers. 

Find out what's happening in Woodridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that Kirk, who in 2010 won the U.S. Senate seat previously occupied by Barack Obama, first took himself to Lake Forest Hospital on Saturday after experiencing dizziness and head pain. The 52-year-old was transferred to Northwestern Memorial on Sunday as his condition worsened.

Kirk's was an ischemic stroke that occurred on the right side of the brain, according to the Sun-Times story. The Sun-Times quoted Fessler as saying that had the stroke occurred on the left side of Kirk's brain, the senator's ability to speak and think could have been affected.

Find out what's happening in Woodridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In the Highland Park Patch article, Rep. Robert Dold (R-Kenilworth), who succeeded Kirk in the U.S. House, expressed support and best wishes.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Senator Kirk and his family today,” Dold said. “I would like to thank the medical professionals for their excellent work and their immediate actions to care for the Senator.”

For the full Highland Park Patch story, . The full Sun-Times story can be found by clicking here, and the Chicago Tribune story can be found here.


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